[SPEEDRE]

If I remove a linear shaft from the bearing will the balls fall out?

[austin.mn]

it depends on the bearing. before you do it try to find as much info as you can from the bearing manufacturer. i am no expert on bearings, but i have taken a few apart. thk linear bearings seem to be alright to take apart. i have had some thompson linear bearings and the balls fell out and were lost.

[Cruiser]

most of em will !

[InspirationTool]

All ones that I've ever seen have a retainer to stop them from falling out.

If there is no end seal, you should be able to pull the bearing to the shaft end, and look along the shaft to see if the retainer (will be metal or black plastic) is holding the balls in place.

-Jeff

[SPEEDRE]

How do I tell if it has a end seal? These bearings are about 3.75" long and surround a .75" dia. linear shaft. They came assembled on my K2CNC machine.
I want to use them on another machine design I'm currently building.

[InspirationTool]

You'll see a rubber ring that touches the rail. It should be obvious.

-Jeff