Pilot bushing removal

[jd52cranbrook]

I searched and see several post advising the "fill the hole with grease" method. I am starting the T-5 install and the old bushing is the last thing to be removed. I assume this method works OK? And it also fine to just leave the grease in the crank hole when done?

Thanks, JD

[james curl]

Most of the grease leaves with the old bushing being displaced by the bushing driver as the grease drives the bushing out of the hole.

[jd52cranbrook]

Thanks

[woodscavenger]

Hope you have better luck than I. I used a lathe to turn a wood dowel to size but using the grease method it would not budge!!! I ended up using a sawzall and cold chisels. That was a long day.

[Joe Flanagan]

I used a device called a bearing puller that has a couple of sharp, curved points on the end. I hooked the bushing, pierced the bronze, and pried it out.

[jd52cranbrook]

Hmm that's what I'm concerned about. I was going to use a spare input shaft off a old tranny. I have not heard too many, or any really having done this trick successfully. Anyone out there actually done it by this method with success? I can vision grease everywhere, and me cursing and cussing with busted knuckles.

I will look into that bearing puller, thank you.

[james curl]

Yes, I have done this way and it was easy. I used a socket that would just fit inside of the bushing, same diameter as the input shaft pilot area. Installed the socket backwards on the extension, pushed it into the grease filled pilot bushing and hit with the extension with a dead blow hammer. That drove the bushing out and most of the grease. I have also used a dremel tool to cut through one side of the bushing and collapse the bushing to remove it.

[Joe Flanagan]

If the grease method doesn't work, I think James' idea of using a dremel tool is better than what I did.

[jd52cranbrook]

Thanks all, I appreciate the advise. I will try the grease method first then. (crossing my fingers,,, )

[Rollie���]

The grease trick didn't work for me so I ended up buying a pilot bearing puller attachment for a slide hammer (part#27059) from autozone for $15 and rented

a slide hammer from them for free, worked nicely.

[greg g]

For those of us who are groggy from football withdrawl, could some one reprise the grease procedure? I understand the concept of using the grease as a hydraulic wedge to push the bushing out, but I guess I am not getting how the grease gets pressurized.

[jd52cranbrook]

Dang, decisions decisions. I am going to Autozone to get the clutch pilot tool now, will inquire on that part, thank you.

[jd52cranbrook]

The way I understand it is, you don't insert the pilot shaft all the way in the hole, just get it started. Then smack it in with a hammer, thus creating the pressure?

What's football?

Edited January 31, 2010 by jd52cranbrook

[Joe Flanagan]

Just for visual reference:

[Jim Yergin]

Joe,

What made you think it needed to be replaced?

Jim Yergin

[jd52cranbrook]

Got under the car, looked, thought for a bit, and came up with another way.

I used my trusty air coping saw to notch in two places.

Air saw

One notch

Can't see it, but two notches

And used these to get under the bushing to pry up a bit, then the pliers to unscrew it out.

5 minutes, no mess, no cursing or cussing.

Thanks for everyone's input, I was leery of a big mess, etc etc.

Edited January 31, 2010 by jd52cranbrook

[Dodgeb4ya]

Here is the tool to remove the bushing the easy way.

[james curl]

I have one of those but the ears on the jaws in the fully collapsed position would no go into the pilot bushing. I filled the pilot bushing with axle grease and used a socket installed backwards on an extension to pressurize the grease, just hit the extension with a dead blow hammer.

[jd52cranbrook]

That looks pretty slick. I see you have the bell housing off. I didn't have that luxury. I happy, onward and upward.

[Joe Flanagan]

Good job, Cranbrook. I thought about running down to Auto Zone and seeing if they had one of those nifty pullers that Dodgeb4ya posted pictures of but first I decided to see if I could get it out another way and save myself the trip.

[Dodgeb4ya]

I have one of those but the ears on the jaws in the fully collapsed position would no go into the pilot bushing. I filled the pilot bushing with axle grease and used a socket installed backwards on an extension to pressurize the grease, just hit the extension with a dead blow hammer.

I have of this style a small one and a big one to cover all jobs. I also have a slide hammer Snap-on type but it's not always an easy job with it as it can pull out of the bushing.

Bob

[Flatie46]

I'd say the puller or slice and dice would be the best route. A friend told me he would find the closest size tap that would thread the bushing. Thread it, then put washer over a small piece of pipe with a bolt and screw it in. When you tighten It acts like a puller, never tryed it but I'm always interested in knowing different solutions on problems.

[thrashingcows]

I'd say the puller or slice and dice would be the best route. A friend told me he would find the closest size tap that would thread the bushing. Thread it, then put washer over a small piece of pipe with a bolt and screw it in. When you tighten It acts like a puller, never tryed it but I'm always interested in knowing different solutions on problems.

Hmmm...that's one I had never thought of....(wanders off to find a scrap of paper to jot this down and then loose in the top of tool box.)