Pilot Bearing Removal

[Arctic///M3]

Alright so I am doing a clutch second time now, but on my car the pilot bearing seems to be really jamed in there. I have a really bad pilot bearing puller witch I used last time to take the bearing out on my friends car. The thing is out of all three arms on the tool only 2 fit through, basically it does not get enough support and just slips right out. I have read that if you use soap or something it might be easier but please post any ideas that you might have. Napa, autozone, pepboys, menards or any of those stores had completely nothing, I have spent a couple good hours on this thing already and this thing just does not want to come out.

Mark

[e30sd]

use a grinder and sharpen the little teeth on the puller, that might work.

i used one of these last time, made my life so much easier. i might just buy one.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/media/SKF-U49AD6.jpg

[Arctic///M3]

I grainded mine down until I made it so thin that it just bends when I try to use it now.

Come on guys more ideas

Mark

[e30sd]

i would use the slide hammer one like i pictured. it worked like a charm, just had to wrap a little electrical tape around the shaft. it was so damn easy. i believe pep boys had it, you can always buy one if it's worth your time.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/OTC-4581.html

[Arctic///M3]

Alright so buying a 100 dollar tool is one option. Anyone else accomplish pulling this bearing out with any other method?

Mark

[bimmer95]

Pack the center of the bearing with axle grease and drive a tight fitting wooden dowel in to the center of the bearing with a hammer.

[Arctic///M3]

Alright guys thanks for all the quick responses and the support. I decided to grind down the tool even more, witch allowed the bearing to get more support, it bent even more when it was comming out but finally came out. If anyone ever needs a "pilot bearing puller" please do not hesitate to pm me.

Mark

[95beema]

Pack the center of the bearing with axle grease and drive a tight fitting wooden dowel in to the center of the bearing with a hammer.

Best way imo

[Def]

I tried the grease trick with my pilot bearing and it absolutely would not come out. It did put enough force on the bearing to crush BOTH dust seals around the bearing and allow the grease to come out that way. I got a cheap pilot bearing puller from Harbor Freight($10), and just spent about an hour grinding the arms down to fit it in the bearing. Came right out with a loud POP when it first started to move. No surprises since the whole clutch job I did was full of stubborn bolts/fasteners from start to finish.

The grease trick worked like a charm on the pilot bushing of my Nissan though.

[joe325i]

Would wheel bearing grease be ok?

[95beema]

Would wheel bearing grease be ok?

Yup, but read the post above yours. It may not work. It worked for me though

[joe325i]

Gotcha.. Im gonna be risky when doing my 5spd swap, im not gonna use a puller.. assuming my auto has this pilot bearing..

[Def]

If your pilot bearing isn't completely stuck in there the grease trick should work. You might not have one though with an auto.

[leedawg]

Hey artic you PM's me but your box if full so I couldent respond but here is the tool I used. I bought it from bav auto
http://bavauto.com/se1.asp?dept_id=23
Any way it just goes int here grabs it from behind then the center threads in and pulls it right out should be a snap. Any way good luck buddy.

leedawg