CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Maintenance => Topic started by: tjgarvey on March 30, 2008, 07:01:54 PM

Title: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: tjgarvey on March 30, 2008, 07:01:54 PM: Does anyone have a better idea on how to get the clutch pilot bearing out. I have tried the tool that you hook the grease fitting and that didn't work, also tried the puller. It still has the brass fitting in it. Can I use a drill to drill it out some. Anyone have a idea?

69 camaro X55 350/300Hp, 4speed
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: firstgenaddict on March 30, 2008, 08:28:09 PM: pack it the ceter hole with grease then use a drift with the same OD as the pilot bushing's ID then whack it with a hammer... voila'...
That being said I had to break one out in the past using a brass drift that I sharpened... the bushing was so worn that the ID was so oblong the grease method would not work!
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: tjgarvey on March 30, 2008, 08:42:09 PM: yeah the hole is oblonged, I'm new at this, what is a drift?

Thanks
Tom
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: 1968RSZ28 on March 30, 2008, 08:59:22 PM: Quote from: tjgarvey on March 30, 2008, 08:42:09 PM
I'm new at this, what is a drift?

http://www.amazon.com/Brass-Drift-Punch-Set-Pc/dp/B000I1HG3K

Paul
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: bertfam on March 30, 2008, 09:02:43 PM: I've never had much luck with the grease method. I just end up making a big mess!

I've used this style of PILOT BUSHING REMOVAL TOOL (http://www.harborfreight.com/3-jaw-pilot-bearing-puller-4876.html) with some success, but HERE'S ONE (http://www.springertool.com/) that looks interesting. Not a bad price either.

Ed
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: tjgarvey on March 30, 2008, 09:24:52 PM: Thanks for the help Paul & Ed. Ed the second site you sent me may work, I used the first method and had no luck..
Thanks Again
Tom
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: tjgarvey on March 30, 2008, 09:37:16 PM: I ordered the pilot bearing remover from springer tool, when I get it I'll let ya know how it works. $22.00 for the tool.
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: bertfam on March 30, 2008, 09:44:46 PM: Yes, please do Tom. If it works better than the three jaw puller, I'll probably get one as well.

Ed
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: firstgenaddict on March 30, 2008, 10:03:42 PM: The harbor freight one will not work... the id minimum is 3/4" the pilot bushing id is smaller than that.
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: bertfam on March 30, 2008, 10:26:25 PM: The Harbor Freight one was just a reference I used to show the different type of versions available. There's one like it that will fit.

Ed
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: jj69z28 on March 31, 2008, 06:57:29 AM: i usually just use a thread tap. works great.
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: JohnZ on March 31, 2008, 07:21:08 PM: It's a lot quicker, easier, and less messy to run a 5/8" NC tap through the bushing, then remove the tap and install a 5/8" NC bolt; run the bolt down until it contacts the base of the hole, and keep turning - it will pull the bushing right out. :)
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: tjgarvey on April 04, 2008, 12:35:22 AM: got my tool in today from springer tool. If you get a chance go on the site and order one of these pullers, you won't regret it. It took me all of 45 seconds or less to get the clutch pilot bearing out of my 69 camaro. I was amazed with the tool, I don't know this guy from Adam, I'm just telling you it will save time and a mess. GET ONE

Here is the site....

www.springertool.com

The gentlemen's name is Jon
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: Stillwater Camaro on April 28, 2008, 02:07:26 PM: WOW, that is a neat tool !! It operates on the same principal as JohnZ's 5/8 tap, but will work on an aftermarket needle bearing type too.
Title: Re: Clutch pilot bearing removal
Post by: GaryL on July 01, 2008, 08:00:05 PM: Quote from: firstgenaddict on March 30, 2008, 10:03:42 PM
The harbor freight one will not work... the id minimum is 3/4" the pilot bushing id is smaller than that.

I bought one from Harbor and had to grind the tips down to make it work. I will use JohnZ's method next time.