Cutting Pilot Bearing

[Eric Maxon]

Thursday, October 11, 2001, 12:31:32 PM, gwbutler wrote:

g> After a failed attempt at removing a really frozen (no over-heating or
g> discoloration...just frozen)pilot bearing on my 84ksq this past weekend I find 
g> myself needing to actually cut-out the pilot bearing casing (the guts of 
g> course already having come out!).  I keep hearing references to using a 
g> diamond blade on a Dremel tool but can't immagine how you gould possibly cut 
g> at angles that would sever the casing.  I've also already tried the "grease 
g> and dowel" approach...to no avail. I'm in dire need of advice here 
g> folks...it's getting cold outside...I've even thought of trying something 
g> delicate with my sabre-saw!
g> TIA

g> Regards,

g> George B.
g> Massachusetts

Last pilot bearing shell I pulled ('84 5000s), I had great results
with a *rented* tiny two jaw puller that attached to a regular old
slide hammer.  I had to do a bit of grinding (just removing forging
seams really) to get it to fit, but it ultimately worked great once I
got it to fit inside (behind the rear lip of the bearing cup).
This tool worked so well because it could be tightened in such a way
that the jaws were forcefully spread apart, emliminating any worries
about ripping it out while using the slide hammer.

I rented it from a chain store here (Michigan) called
Autozone, which is certainly regional, but I fear not in Mass.  If
you've got to buy the damn thing for one use, so be it-- It shouldn't
be more than $40 unless it comes from $nap-On.

Also, while shopping around for a suitable method of getting the pilot
bearing out, someone else suggested a hydraulic method similar to the
grease/dowel, that may work better--

He suggested a *metal* rod, (instead of wood, which is porous--
don't think you won't be putting enough pressure in that hole to
simply soak up grease/water), water as the fluid, and cramming wad
after wad of, get this, wet toilet paper into the bearing then
cramming the (snug fitting) rod home.  Eventually, the recess behind
the bearing becomes so full of compacted wet toilet paper, it forces
the bearing shell out.

As plausable (albeit ridiculous) as this sounds, I'd go for the mini
2-jaw slide hammer puller.

-- 
Best regards,
 Eric                            mailto:emaxon at mediaone.net