Pilot bearing in Flywheel

[Bud]

Have many of you replaced the pilot bearing in the flywheel while the flywheel was mounted to the end of the crank? What method did you use? I am concerned about the thrust surface on the end of the outer main.
Thanks.

[P.S.]

It does not require much force to remove the pilot bearing. I usually just insert a right angle screwdriver or similar tool and gently tap it out. When installing the new bearing, I prefer to use a homebrew tool consisting of a wood dowel that is the same diameter as the outer race of the bearing with a 'nub' in the center that keeps it centered in the bearing, and gently tap it in.

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by Bud

Have many of you replaced the pilot bearing in the flywheel while the flywheel was mounted to the end of the crank? What method did you use? I am concerned about the thrust surface on the end of the outer main.
Thanks.

The best way is with a pilot bearing puller.

[100IH]

Grease can be pumped into the front aide of the and an old input shaft can be driven into into the bore creating a hydraulic push out of the bearing. Some pilot bearings are actually a solid bushing, here you can use a 5/8" tap to cut threads internally and when the tap hits the rear of the crank it will pull out the bush without pounding. The grease method - Always clean out before installing new bearing.

[chap52]

I went through this awhile back and found a couple of you tube videos on the subject. The first using "grease" and the second using a "slice of bread".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28bSl4r1kwQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfDV982g4XM

[daveymc29]

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Bread is less mess to clean up. My question is whether the "new" bearing is going to last longer that the one you take out. Heaven only knows where the new one comes from. My old one feels perfect, no catch anywhere and I'm sorely tempted to leave it alone. Any thoughts?

[Bud]

Hi, thanks for the replies. I am more concerned installing the pilot bearing into the flywheel while the flywheel is still mounted to the crankshaft.

[Big hammer]

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[CWPASADENA]

Originally Posted by Bud

Hi, thanks for the replies. I am more concerned installing the pilot bearing into the flywheel while the flywheel is still mounted to the crankshaft.

As stated before, it should not take much force to install the new bearing in the flywheel. The flywheel and crank have a large mass and the little force you are going to use to drive the new pilot bearing in place will hardly be noticed by the rear main thrust surface. I do not see a problem at all.

Just be sure to start the bearing straight and a little taping with a hammer and dowel or brass drift around the outer edge should easily do the job.

My opinion,

Chris W.

[glenn in camino]

I replace my pilot bearing whenever I have the flywheel out

[Tom Wesenberg]

I don't replace perfectly good parts, but if you install the bearing, tap or press it in by the outer race only. Tapping on the inner race can damage the bearing.

[Bob-A]

Kind'a off the main subject, but when I had to take the tranny out of my
'29 Cast Iron Wonder (Ford's arch enemy). I found that there was "no" bronze pilot bearing! And there never was any sign that one was ever installed. The car is low miles, mid 20K's, mostly original unrestored and
it looks like nobody has ever been into it either.....go figure....

I apologize for the hijack.

Bob-A

[glenn in camino]

I use a large socket to tap it in. A little WD40 may help.