Pilot Bearing Issue

[Tmac897]

I have a 4-bolt crank and I’m trying to remove the pilot (spigot) bearing. I have a pilot bearing removal tool but I can’t seem to get the pilot bearing out. Further, it could be my imagination, but it looks like the whole carrier seems to be pulling out instead of just the bearing. Before I went too far, thought I’d ask for some advice on how to proceed here.

Best regards,
Tony

[Mazzini]

Has the bearing been sleeved to accommodate a later gearbox with a smaller 1st motion shaft? The original 4 bolt bearing was machined in one piece.

[Tmac897]

Has the bearing been sleeved to accommodate a later gearbox with a smaller 1st motion shaft? The original 4 bolt bearing was machined in one piece.

No, it’s all original

[alanr]

From the photo something doesn't look quite right or original with that spigot bearing. It looks like it has been sleeved?It should be a complete solid bearing.
However, the normal method of removing the early bronze spigot bearing is to pack the hole in the middle with grease and then using either an old first motion shaft or shaft of similar size give the shaft a sharp smack with a hammer and the force on the grease will pop the spigot bearing out. No puller is needed.

Alan.

[promotor]

From the photo something doesn't look quite right or original with that spigot bearing. It looks like it has been sleeved?It should be a complete solid bearing.
However, the normal method of removing the early bronze spigot bearing is to pack the hole in the middle with grease and then using either an old first motion shaft or shaft of similar size give the shaft a sharp smack with a hammer and the force on the grease will pop the spigot bearing out. No puller is needed.

Alan.

You can also use Blu-Tack or Play-Doh if you don't want as much mess as with grease!

[Tmac897]

From the photo something doesn't look quite right or original with that spigot bearing. It looks like it has been sleeved?It should be a complete solid bearing.

Alan.

I’m not the original owner, so perhaps one of the previous owners did something like that. It only had about 55k miles on it when I bought it back in 1976, so I didn’t think it had incurred too many engine/drive train mods, but who knows!

[Tmac897]

However, the normal method of removing the early bronze spigot bearing is to pack the hole in the middle with grease and then using either an old first motion shaft or shaft of similar size give the shaft a sharp smack with a hammer and the force on the grease will pop the spigot bearing out. No puller is needed.

Alan.

You can also use Blu-Tack or Play-Doh if you don't want as much mess as with grease!

Given that I have a puller, any reason why I shouldn’t continue with that?

[mark030358]

Get a builders rawl bolt, then screw it in until it expands enough to grip the bearing. Then pull it out... magic

cheers

[promotor]

However, the normal method of removing the early bronze spigot bearing is to pack the hole in the middle with grease and then using either an old first motion shaft or shaft of similar size give the shaft a sharp smack with a hammer and the force on the grease will pop the spigot bearing out. No puller is needed.

Alan.

You can also use Blu-Tack or Play-Doh if you don't want as much mess as with grease!

Given that I have a puller, any reason why I shouldn’t continue with that?

It's the best way, no reason at all, my post was a diversion (hopefully a helpful one for readers).

The bush you are removing comes out like yours is in the picture - the outside diameter is 40mm and the bush is one piece.

[Tmac897]

Thanks, although I did find the use of Playdough amusing. My wife was a kindergarten teacher for 30 years, so I thought I had seen every possible use - until now!

Best,
Tony

[alanr]

I have used the packed grease method all my life......So much easier than a puller!......or even Play-Doh!

Alan.

[Billmack]

Yank out the ehole show and work out whats wrong later

[2cams70]

That is the correct bearing. +1 grease then it's easy peasy. You do need an old input shaft or piece of rod similarly sized as the pilot hole however.

[promotor]

Thanks, although I did find the use of Playdough amusing. My wife was a kindergarten teacher for 30 years, so I thought I had seen every possible use - until now!

Best,
Tony

Everyday is a school day (and I think my level is kindergarten! )

[Tmac897]

It’s out now. I just continued with the puller and it came out pretty easily once the initial adhesion was broken.

Now the question is replacement. Anyone know if these are still available? Could I have the center bearing machined out and replaced? Machined out to accept the newer roller bearing?

What’s the best way forward?

Tony