Pilot Bearing Question

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Jun 14, 2010 | 10:50 PM

Otis 54

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Pilot Bearing Question

How do I remove the pilot bearing from the flywheel? Is there a special tool? Is there a tool to reinstall? The shop manual shows special tools but that was 1954, don't think Ford would sell them anymore. Also, how do I get the ring gear off of the flywheel? I have heard you have to heat it. The gear looks pretty worn, but the engine turned over just fine before I diassembled everything. I figured it should be replaced since I am this far into it. Rookie here, thanks for any help you can give.

Craig

Dallas, Texas

Jun 14, 2010 | 11:44 PM

fixnair

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From: Sapulpa OK

This is a little like magic but it works. First fill the hole with heavy grease. Now find a piece of round stock, (we will call this the Tool) the same diameter as the transmission input shaft pilot. The tool must fit into the bore of the pilot bearing with out binding and yet be pretty snug. While holding the tool in the bushing against the grease, Smack the free end of the tool with a heavy hammer. The tool will exert force against the grease which has no place to go but push against the inside of the bushing and push it out. This a place for safety glasses because grease will probably shoot back at you. You may have to fill the cavity behind the bushing more than once. Also try to insert the grease from th bottom of the hole and fill it exhausting all the air. Air is compressable wile grease is not.

Jun 14, 2010 | 11:50 PM

85e150

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I just force threaded a big bolt into the bronze pilot bushing in my Mustang and wiggled it right out. Ymmv with this method, but you are replacing the bearing anyway, so destructive removal--as long as you don't damage the crank--is a non-issue.

Jun 15, 2010 | 08:17 AM

ALBUQ F-1

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From: NM

The starter ring gear can be removed by splitting it with a cold chisel (going from outside, between teeth, towards the inside). One good whack and they usually crack and fall off. The new one has to be heated in an oven then dropped on.

AutoZone loans out a pilot bearing tool that works fine.

Jun 15, 2010 | 09:06 AM

larryb346

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From: SW Missouri

Craig
If the other suggestions do not work get a pilot bearing removal tool. Harbor freight has them for 10 bucks or so and other auto stores will have them . Perhaps some stores will rent you the tool. Makes life simple to have the correct tools.
Replacing the ring gear is easier if you place the flywheel in the freezer and the new ring gear in the oven. The freezer will shrink the flywheel and the heat will expand the ring gear. Remove both and the ring gear will drop onto the flywheel and when the temp. equalizes they will be tightly together.
Good luck
Larry

Jun 15, 2010 | 10:03 PM

Otis 54

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Thanks everyone, took Larry's advise and bought the tool from Harbor Freight tonight. Will try it out this weekend. What temperature do you set the oven to when heating the ring gear?

Thanks

Jun 15, 2010 | 10:42 PM

carnut122

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From: Waleska, GA

I just filled the hole with grease like somebody has already suggested. But, then I found a socket that barely fit in the hole and put it on upside down on an extension and then hit the extension with a hammer.