Removing Pilot Bearing//Is it as bad as I hear?

[SquareRoot]

Ok, Follow-up question. Please don't laugh as this could possibly save me a lot of work. Is it possible to remove/replace the pilot bearing without removing the clutch? Obviously I will need to remove the TO bearing and fork.

 

[DoubleDingo]

I would say yes, but you run the risk of getting stuff between the clutch disc and flywheel/pressure plate. Probably not worth it when it's only six bolts to remove the pressure plate and clutch disc. Granted the bell housing is already removed.

 

[Radiohead]

Agreed. Let's not add to the grief.

Another example of just because you can doesn't mean you should.

 

[kmc_hauls]

The key to the grease method is the bolt or rod you pound the grease in needs to fit very snug in the bearing hole....key 2 : pack the grease, tap in, repack more grease, tap....repeat until it starts to move then usually one good wack and it pops out

 

[rusted nuts]

No, would end up with grease all over clutch.

 

[Trucksareforwork]

The bread method works and is cleaner than grease. If you have much clearance around your bolt grease is gonna spew. Good gooey white bread.

 

[Cemack]

I have used the bread method and it worked like a charm. Not sure who “debunked it”, but they must not have done it properly. The key is, the cut off bolt you pound in there has to be a snug fit

 

[SquareRoot]

Update. Job complete. Decided to stop by Harbor Freight just for the hell of it. Low and behold they had a Pilot Bearing tool for $20. Pittsburgh brand which I have been generally impressed with for basic tools. That tool was worth every penny. Super easy, no mess. BTW, it was Freiburger on Roadkill that debunked the bread trick. Maybe he didn't know what he was doing?
The reason about swapping it with the clutch in place was to avoid taking the hydraulic clutch components apart and possibly having to bleed the system. I don't think it would have been worth the effort.

 

[idahovette]

@SquareRoot Cool and ya got new tool to boot!!!

 

[jonathanlaub]

With the NV4500/205 rebuild complete, I'll be doing the ol' swaparoo soon. When I pull the current trans, I'm going to replace the pilot bushing/bearing. I have read horror stories about getting out of the crank. And, I have seen the "bread trick" debunked on TV (Roadkill) I think, so don't pull that one over on me!

Thanks in advance. Oh and FWIW, I'm installing a Moroso Sealed Bearing. I've read great things about them vs the bronze bush

I used the white bread method to remove the pilot bearing. It’s not fast but it worked.

 

[bucket]

I used the white bread method to remove the pilot bearing. It’s not fast but it worked.

Only regular white bread will work? No honey wheat or rye? Lol sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

[rusted nuts]

Only regular white bread will work? No honey wheat or rye? Lol sorry, I couldn't resist.

Little Jam helps.

 

[Ricko1966]

Only regular white bread will work? No honey wheat or rye? Lol sorry, I couldn't resist.