The blower motor on my air conditioner is shot & needs to be replaced. I've already identified and ordered the replacement motor. The problem is, the old motor's shaft is seemingly FUSED onto the blower wheel itself (Carrier/Bryant LA22LA108) by rust.
I'd really hate to buy a new blower wheel, too… they're not cheap ($125+) and the old one appears to be fine (aside from being inseparably-fused onto the old motor by rust).
Is there any reasonably straightforward way to get them separated without damaging the wheel so badly it ends up having to be replaced anyway? Maybe some semi-magic chemical available from Home Depot/Lowes (or at least a well-stocked Ace Hardware or some other store likely to exist in South Florida) that quickly eats through rust without doing too much damage to the as-yet unrusted steel?
I contemplated trying to cut away the motor shaft & drill it out from the inside until it falls away from the wheel's hole, but I have a hunch that the motor shaft is superhardened steel that won't cut easily.
Best Answer
Soak the rusted area in a penetrating oil. Wait a day or two. Cut the motor shaft from the motor, drive the shaft out using a hammer.