Tools

Richmond Gear Puller: 90-0002-1 Differential Bearing Puller Set Guide

Engineered for precision, the Richmond Gear Puller cleanly and efficiently removes carrier and inner pinion bearings every time.

Todd Bandel

28 Jul 2026 • 10 min read

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If you've ever tried to remove a stubborn carrier or pinion bearing from a differential, you know that the wrong tool can turn a rebuild into an expensive mistake. The Richmond Gear 90-0002-1 Differential Bearing Puller Set is meant to solve that problem for anyone doing serious ring and pinion work.

Richmond Gear Puller 90-0002-1 Overview

The Richmond Gear 90-0002-1 is a purpose-built differential bearing puller designed for removing carrier and inner pinion bearings during ring and pinion rebuilds. Unlike a generic puller, this kit uses interchangeable clamshell halves that grip securely behind the bearing race, making it safe for use on Richmond differentials across Ford, GM, Chrysler, Dana, and other popular platforms.

Gear pullers are generally used for removing press-fitted components from shafts, and common applications of gear pullers include removing bearings and gears. Where this kit stands apart is its specialization. While 3-jaw pullers are preferred for better stability compared to 2-jaw pullers, even they can slip or bite unevenly on differential bearings.

Mechanical pullers are suitable for lighter-duty tasks than hydraulic pullers, but the 90-0002-1 bridges that gap with a clamshell mechanism that distributes force uniformly - no prying, no hammering, and no hoping your jaws don't slip off mid-pull.

The kit ships in a molded plastic carrying case and is fully compatible with a 1/2-inch impact wrench, making it a staple in performance and racing driveline shops where speed matters. Precision pullers offer better center alignment to prevent damage, and this tool delivers exactly that by centering the pull through a dedicated puller tube and center bolt assembly.

For technicians who work on larger housings (10.5–11.8 in. differentials like the Dana 80 or AAM 11.5–11.8), the optional large clamshell 90-50010 is available separately, making the system expandable for heavy-duty applications without needing a second kit.

Richmond Gear Bearing Puller Kits 90-0002-1

Richmond Gear bearing puller kits are designed to remove carrier and inner pinion bearings.

Summit Racing Equipment

Key Features, Specs, and Compatibility

Here's what makes the Richmond Gear 90-0002-1 puller a go-to choice for differential rebuilds.

Construction and Design

Molded plastic storage case keeps all puller components organized and protected between jobs.
High-strength steel clamshells and hardware built for frequent shop use. High-quality gear pullers use drop-forged, hardened steel for durability, and this kit's components are designed to handle repeated impact-tool cycling without deforming.
Heavy-duty construction minimizes the risk of damage during component removal, protecting both the bearing and the housing journal.
Black-finished components for corrosion resistance and easy identification in the toolbox.

Kit Contents

The package weighs approximately 31 lbs and typically retails in the $460–$475 range depending on the retailer.

Richmond Gear Functionality and Compatibility

The 90-0002-1 is engineered as a differential rebuild tool for removing carrier and pinion bearings across common Richmond Gear ring and pinion applications:

GM 8.5 in. and 8.6 in.
Ford 9 in. and 8.8 in.
Chrysler 8.75 in.
Dana 60, Dana 80 (with optional X-Large clamshell)
AAM 11.5–11.8 in. (with optional X-Large clamshell)

Exact coverage depends on bearing size, and it's worth noting that GM 12-bolt rear ends are not compatible with this kit.

Clamshell designs provide secure gripping behind the bearing race for removal, and specialized pullers ensure even force distribution to reduce damage risk - two advantages you won't find with a standard jaw-style puller. The kit works with both impact wrenches (36mm socket) and standard hand ratchets, giving flexibility depending on shop setup.

Richmond Gear's XHD Bearing Puller is a clamshell design, and the XHD Bearing Puller Clamshell is a Richmond Gear product available as that optional 90-50010 expansion piece. Richmond Gear offers 944 products in total across its catalog, spanning ring and pinion sets, install kits, axles, and tools - so the 90-0002-1 fits within a complete driveline ecosystem rather than standing alone.

Using the Richmond Gear Puller in Real-World Differential Rebuilds

Picture a race shop tasked with swapping gear ratios - say, moving from a stock 3.70 to a 4.56 in an AAM 11.8 in. rear end. The crew needs to pull multiple pinion bearings to trial different shims, dialing in pinion depth until the tooth contact pattern is right.

Without the proper tool, they'd be pressing or hammering bearings off, risking damage to race seats and pinion journals that can't afford even minor scoring. Technicians choose this puller because it matches Richmond Gear specifications and tolerances, ensuring repeatable, accurate bearing setup across every build.

Practical Workflow

Here's how the 90-0002-1 fits into a typical differential rebuild:

Setup - The differential carrier and pinion are removed, cleaned, and placed on the bench. The technician inspects the ring and pinion for wear or damage.
Clamshell selection - The correct clamshell half (small, medium, or large) is chosen by test-fitting behind the bearing race. The bottom adjuster ring is threaded on first, followed by the top ring to eliminate any gap.
Securing and pulling - The retainer ring locks the clamshell in place. The oversize puller tube slides over the pinion, and the center bolt is driven with either a hand wrench or impact wrench until the bearing separates cleanly from the journal.

This process protects the ring gear teeth and housing surfaces. Controlled pulling force from specialized pullers reduces the risk of damaging parts, which is critical when you're cycling through multiple setup bearings on a single build.

Connection to Performance Tuning

Quick, repeatable bearing removal lets racers and builders experiment with pinion depth shims and backlash settings when dialing in new gear ratios. Professional installers appreciate the reduced labor time - you can find the sweet spot faster when each pull takes minutes instead of a battle. Bearing pullers are essential tools for efficient drivetrain maintenance and repair, and this kit delivers on that principle every time it's used.

Maintenance and Longevity

To extend the service life of the 90-0002-1:

Wipe all components clean after each use
Lightly oil threads to prevent galling
Store everything in the plastic case
Inspect clamshell halves and adjuster rings for bending or damage before each job

Support and Warranty

Richmond Gear backs its tools and driveline parts with dedicated tech support, including phone assistance for setup questions, product selection, and troubleshooting.

The tool carries a 1-year warranty, which is standard for professional workshop equipment. This is separate from the longer 2-year / 100,000-mile warranty Richmond offers on many performance ring and pinion sets under normal (non-competition) driving conditions. Make sure you understand which coverage applies to your specific purchase - tools and gears are warranted differently.

For anyone regularly installing Richmond Gear ring and pinion sets, the 90-0002-1 puller is the differential rebuild tool that pays for itself in saved labor, protected components, and repeatable accuracy - whether you're a weekend racer or running a full-time driveline shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Richmond Gear 90-0002-1 used for?

The Richmond Gear XHD Bearing Puller Clamshell 90-0002-1 is used to remove carrier bearings and inner pinion bearings during differential service. It's designed for ring-and-pinion swaps and heavy-duty driveline work on GM, Ford, and Chrysler rear axle assemblies.

How does the 90-0002-1 differ from a standard bearing puller?

A standard claw-style puller concentrates pulling force at two or three contact points, increasing the risk of scoring or cracking precision-machined bearing races. The 90-0002-1 uses a clamshell design that distributes load evenly around the entire circumference of the bearing race, reducing the risk of damage to expensive driveline components.

Does the Richmond Gear 90-0002-1 fit the GM 12-bolt rear end?

No. The GM 12-bolt falls outside the coverage of the 90-0002-1 kit. Always verify your exact bearing OD against Richmond's catalog or call Richmond Gear technical support at (864) 843-9275 before purchasing.

What socket size does the 90-0002-1 require?

The Richmond Gear 90-0002-1 uses a 36 mm socket on a ½-inch drive. It is compatible with both standard ½-inch shop impact wrenches and breaker bars for more controlled removal.

What is the warranty on the Richmond Gear 90-0002-1?

The 90-0002-1 carries a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. This warranty is separate from Richmond Gear's 2-year performance parts warranty, which applies to ring-and-pinion sets and related driveline components.

Do I need the optional 90-50010 clamshell, and what does it cover?

The optional 90-50010 X-Large clamshell (sold separately) is required for 10.5–11.8 inch differential carriers, including the Dana 80 and AAM 11.5/11.8 axles. If your build involves one of these larger differentials, the base 90-0002-1 kit alone will not cover it.

Where can I buy the Richmond Gear 90-0002-1?

The Richmond Gear 90-0002-1 is available through Summit Racing. Retail price runs approximately $462–$475 depending on the vendor. Have your differential specs confirmed before ordering to ensure correct fitment. If the retailer or manufacturer site asks for verification before checkout or account access, that step may be used to block a bot.

Safety and Compliance

California Prop 65 compliance applies to this product:

Prop 65 long label: "WARNING: Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov"
Short label: "WARNING: Cancer www.P65Warnings.ca.gov"

The catalog marks Prop 65 compliance status as "N (not applicable)" for certain jurisdictions, but California buyers should still follow label guidance. The warnings reference reproductive harm and cancer per California regulatory standards - this is standard labeling for many shop tools and does not indicate an unusual hazard beyond what Prop 65 requires for products in this category.

Why We Feel The Richmond Gear 90-0002-1 Is Worth It

At $462–$475, the 90-0002-1 sits well above what a basic claw-style puller costs. The case for spending more is straightforward: a single scored bearing housing or cracked race on a performance differential can easily cost more than the price difference between a generic puller and this kit. For a dedicated performance shop running frequent gear swaps, the 90-0002-1 pays for itself quickly in reduced rework and labor.

For a serious enthusiast tackling occasional builds at home, it's the kind of tool that earns its place on the shelf because the alternative- risking an expensive differential on a cheap puller—makes less financial sense the more you think about it. Check current stock at Summit Racing and have your differential specs ready before your next build.

Thank you for reading!

Your friend,

Todd

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