When a bearing race gets stuck because it got hot or because it rusted in place, it can be quite a challenge removing it from its axle hub. Soaking the surface between the race and the hub with a good penetrating oil for about an hour helps, but ultimately you have to use a bit of force to remove the race. The right tools are absolutely essential, and a two-fold technique serves to use those tools to best effect.
Spray, pour or wick Kroil between the hub and the bearing. Let sit for an hour and attempt to pull the bearing. If the bearing is still frozen, apply more Kroil and let it sit longer.
Turn the bolt at the center of the claw puller counterclockwise until you can place its point on the center of the axle hub while sliding the claw hooks over and behind the stuck bearing race.
Turn the claw's center bolt clockwise with a wrench until the bearing breaks free. You will have to replace the bearing anyway, so if the claws do not fit over the outer race and touch the inner race, break the outer race off first. If the race stays stuck, proceed to the next step.
Take the claw's center bolt completely out by turning counterclockwise with a wrench. Insert the threaded portion of the slide hammer into the claw center. Fasten it in place by turning it clockwise. If the shaft is too small for the claw center, simply slide it through and screw the slide hammer's own nut on to hold it in place.
Place the claws over and behind the bearing race. Slide the hammer weight in toward the hub, then slide it out from the hub rapidly along its shaft until it hits the shaft stop sharply. Repeat until the race pops off the hub.
