Could I get a little keyway help here?

I blew a bearing on my snowblower where the shafts goes through the scoop to the impeller. I took the scoop off to access the wheel for the belt. I am having a helluva time removing the belt wheel off the shaft. There were two set screws on the back of the wheel. One was snuggled right tight into the top of the key. I have the set screws removed and the wheel is plenty loose.

I am thinking that the set screw raised the metal on the key and when the wheel is pulled off the shaft, the key is jamming.

So any ideas on what to do next? I was thinking of drilling out the key from the end. When the wheel was almost off, I tapped the key back in but it dented a little. I don't have a wheel puller.

Picture of the wheel pushed in. End of key showing. I just think the key is hanging up and pulling the key causing it to wedge.



Wheel out. So close. I cleaned up the mushrooming from the hammer on the shaft end, most likely not the issue.



View looking down to the set screw hole where I think the key got puckered.



If you have any tips, I could use one. Taking a break away from it for a few minutes.

 

Have any way to put heat on it? Also make sure that pressure is applied evenly so the pulley stays straight the slightest rocking will bind it and keep it from coming off.

 

No heat yet. Wd 40 to loosen it up. Two pry bars with wood behind them to work it loose. I can almost slide the wheel by hand on the shaft now.

 

I am going to try to use a small steel rod down the set screw hole and flatten the pucker down on the top of the key.

 

Pickle fork should pop that off esy. Be careful with heat if theres a seal on the shaft.

 

No seal, just a shot bearing. No fork, that would work well.

 

Thought of a pickle fork too but most guys don't have one. Just don't hit it to much and mushroom the key out tight in the groove of the pulley.

 

Might be time to bite the bullet and buy a puller or pickle fork. If money is an issue there's always China Freight..... Errr I mean harbor freight:

Three-Jaw Puller Set 4 Pc

 

I think the shaft maybe still mushroomed over causing grief. Could make a puller also. Wish I could be of more help.

 

Yeah, trying to save the wheel. I'll check prices for a new one if this isn't going to work. I heated the end and the wheel up.
No luck.

I don't think it is mushrooming. I went around the end of the shaft with fine sandpaper and it still made no gain any closer to the end. If I lowered a high spot I would expect to see some gain moving towards the end. I just think the key is puckered at the top at the set screw hole. One more bourbon egg nog and I'll go back to it. I may drill it out at this point.

Thanks for the help so far.

 

Put two chisels down both sides of the shaft. Then drive each one in like a wedge taking your time and make them even. That should eventually drive it off.

 

I did try two chisels of the same size. Where the bearing is shot, there is too much play back and forth.

Drilling commencing...

 

Also tap the end of the shaft once in awhile. The tapping makes the metal vibrate and because there are two different metals there they will vibrate differently and will help loosen it up more.

 

Well your options are getting smaller without having to buy something now. Sometimes simple tools just will not do the job.

 

yep, some strategic hammering and wedging should be enough to solve this. its possible the drilling could create more debris and mess up the keyway.....ill grab a beer and hang out and see what happens

 

auto parts stores will loan you one