Can't get pilot bearing removed

[JeffJackson]

I'm changing the clutch on my '05 with an NV5600 and can't get the pilot bearing out. I've tried both a puller and filling the hole with grease and pushing in with the alignment tool that came with the new clutch. I can't get the old pilot bearing out. Any suggestions?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I had the same problem when I swapped in my new LUK Cerametallic clutch a few years back - I ended up using a small chisel and screwdriver to collapse the bearing cage, then needle-nose pliers to pull it on out. Be SURE to then carefully inspect the innards of the hole for remnants - a suitable magnet works well...

 

[Houser]

Dont just push the alignment tool into the grease. Smack it with a hammer to give quick jerk of hydrolic pressure. I have even used loose fitting bolts or socket extensions to do the job when i didnt have a perfectly fitted aligning tool to beat on. It does need to be universal type metal tool works the best because there is nothing to contact the face of the pilot bearing when you smack it in. Make sure the cavity behind the bearing is completely packed with grease.

Houser

 

[Hoefler]

Use a wooden dowel rod. I have used oak closet rods in the past, just have to whittle it down to size, just make sure you whittle the end a couple of inches or you will just drive it back in.

 

[DShore]

Use a coarse thread tap that corresponds with hole in pilot bearing. Tap it, then thread bolt same size as tap into pilot bearing. If grease is used, that will put even more outward press on pilot bearing. If by chance this doesn't work, use 1/8" or smaller drill bit and drill pilot bearing on either side of hole using stitch pattern working from inside out on both sides of hole, drill holes just far enough apart so that bit does not slide over into previous hole. Then use a chisel on these drilled lines... bearing will come out in 2 pieces.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Use a coarse thread tap that corresponds with hole in pilot bearing. Tap it, then thread bolt same size as tap into pilot bearing. If grease is used, that will put even more outward press on pilot bearing. If by chance this doesn't work, use 1/8" or smaller drill bit and drill pilot bearing on either side of hole using stitch pattern working from inside out on both sides of hole, drill holes just far enough apart so that bit does not slide over into previous hole. Then use a chisel on these drilled lines... bearing will come out in 2 pieces.

Dunno about the bearings in 3rd generation trucks, but the one in my '02 with the NV5600 was caged needle bearings - NOTHING to "tap" or otherwise get much of a grip on - OR much "face area" to obtain effective hydraulic force...

 

[JeffJackson]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I ended up finding a removal tool from Autozone. In case anyone else is trying to get their pilot bearing out, the part numbers for the loaner tools are:



27059 Pilot bearing adapter

27033 Slide hammer



At first, it looks like the adapter won't work with the slide hammer, but the adapter has two different diameter threads inside to work with different hammers.



Now how well do I need to clean out the cavity that I pumped the grease into when I tried the fill it with grease and pound the alignment tool in method? I've gotten most out, but I can still feel some inside and I'm worried it will liquify when hot and run out over the flywheel.

 

[rbattelle]

Now how well do I need to clean out the cavity that I pumped the grease into when I tried the fill it with grease and pound the alignment tool in method? I've gotten most out, but I can still feel some inside and I'm worried it will liquify when hot and run out over the flywheel.

I wouldn't worry too much. Use some q-tips to get in there, if you can. Shop Vac, too.



If you want, you might be able to heat it up a bit with a heat gun to make it flow better into the Shop Vac.



Ryan

 

[GCroyle]

The pilot is in the flywheel, remove the flywheel and tap it out.



Kinda makes me think you might be doing a clutch install without resurfacing the flywheel or replacing it, correct?