Pilot Bearing

[urq]

>
> I was going to replace the pilot bearing during the NG rebuild, but it
> requires a special tool according to Bently.  I may be able to get a hold
of
> the tool, but I am wondering if I should  replace it.
>
> The bearing looks,  feels ok.  What is the likelihood of a used pilot
> bearing failing.  The motor AFAIK had under 100Kmi before rebuild.
>
> Should I take the trouble to track down the tool and replace, or is this
> overkill.
>
... replace the pilot bearing!  You may very well be sorry if you don't ...
why risk having to open up the bellhousing again to replace a reasonably
cheap and easily replaced bearing?

If you check the archives you will see many folks have had success with
removing the bearing hydraulically by packing the bearing with grease and
driving a rod the diameter of the pilot shaft into the hole ... while I
haven't done this, I have been able to remove the bearing with a standard
puller (used in a non standard way).  As a result of trying to install the
wrong part in the flywheel of the 4kSQ I also have a very nice puller ...
made by Lisle I believe.  It has the adjustable part that grips behind the
bearing and a slide hammer to pull the bearing.  As I recall it was not that
expensive.

My strongest advice is to make sure that you have the correct part before
attempting to install it!  On the 4kSQ I was told that there were two
possible parts ... and I chose a very nice looking one that appeared to be
sealed better than the original.  Unfortunately the bearing was too small
for the pilot shaft and I couldn't get the tranny to fully engage ... turned
a weekend project into a month long one.  It is a very simple matter to test
fit the new bearing on the tranny's pilot shaft before installing it.

HTH!
Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)