pilot bearing trouble

rockyracoon · Feb 5, 2010

im trying to remove the transmission pilot bearing from the PI motor since my old non PI motor was mated to an automatic trans which I will be using,I was told that that bearing will have to be removed so the torque converter hub can run inside of the crank.

first of all the bearing will not come out even with a pilot bearing removal tool,the notches on the jaws keep slipping past the inner edge of whats left of the bearing,but more importantly that pilot bearing is only like a half inch in diameter,and in looking at the hub on the converter it is at least an inch or bigger,how could it ever fit inside that hole?

rockyracoon · Feb 5, 2010

in looking further at the bearing in appears that there is an outer sleeve that the converter hub could ride inside,so now I just gotta find a way to get it out.

wmburns · Feb 5, 2010

Pack with grease, drive in bolt with hammer

Start by using some penetrating oil between the pilot bearing and crank shaft. Allow time for it to work. This may loosen it up enough for the slide hammer to work.

An old racers trick may help in this situation. Pack grease inside the pilot bearing hole. Fill the void behind the bearing. Drive a bolt into the hole (or anything that fits inside the bearing). The grease will hydrostatically push the pilot bearing out from the back side. Suggesting starting out by using a dead blow hammer (or protect with a block of wood and a regular hammer). If additional driving force is needed, switch to direct blows. The grease should provide some buffer.

As a last resort, heat may do the trick. However, excessive heat may damage the rear main oil seal. Of course, using a torch on a anything filled with grease may be interesting.

rockyracoon · Feb 5, 2010

thanks for the info,I ended up using plumbers putty,and it worked like a charm.

wmburns · Feb 5, 2010

I presume the plumber's putty was a sub for grease. Did you know about the trick before?

Now that the pilot bearning is out, does it look like the pilot of the torque converter will fit right in the crank?

rockyracoon · Feb 6, 2010

yes it was a sub for grease,seemed it would be less messy.I have heard about the trick before ,but I never really thought it would work.I guess I should never under estimate hydraulic pressure. that pilot removal tool that I have is kinda worthless for this type of pilot, IMHO.

Oh yes it looks like it will fit no problem.matter of fact the motor is back in the car ,I just have to engage the dowels,and bolt her up.The passenger side motor mount stud is in the hole in the frame and the drivers side is like 1/8 off,so a little persuasion is still needed.The converter studs are lined up and knocking on the door.I just ran out of time last night and awoke this morning to a foot of snow,so I have been snow blowing and shoveling since about 7:00 am.

thanks guy.

pilot bearing trouble

rockyracoon

rockyracoon

wmburns

rockyracoon

wmburns

rockyracoon

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