Pilot Bushing Removal

[woodie49]

I am switching out my '49 three speed for a '52 overdrive.

 

How do I get the pilot bearing out of the end of the crank? And, once done, the manual talks about a burnishing tool to insert a new one.  I have assumed I could just carefully drive the new one in.

 

When I worked on SBC's we used to rent a puller all the time.  It seems like finding rental places that carry that kind of thing is pretty difficult, atleast up here in the Central Cal Coast.

 

Am I better off leaving the old one alone?

 

I had the Flywheel resurfaced and had the clutch and PP rebuilt.  I hate to leave the old bushing in. 

 

I really don't want to do this more than once.

 

[_shel_ny]

http://mopar.pairserver.com/p15d24ph_forum/index.php?/topic/18071-pilot-bushing-removal/?hl=%2Bpilot+%2Bbushing+%2Bremoval

[Dodgeb4ya]

 There are several ways to remove the pilot bushing. Chisel /rip it out- thats the wrong way, you don't want to damage the crankshaft bore. You can carefully Slit the bushing and pull it out. Or pack the pilot bushing hole 1/2 full of thick grease then use a very accurate fitting solid steel shaft to force the bushing out.by hammering on the shaft. Another way is using a pilot bearing slide hammer removal tool. They usually pull the jaws out of the bushing before actually pulling the bushing out because of the shock of the slide hammer action. Another way and if you can find one is the OTC type puller that pushes against the flywheel or crank flange and  wedges the jaws tight inside the Oilite bushing ( there are two sizes of these-small and large). This puller is a no brainer to quickly and easily remove the bushing.

As for installing the bushing I use a bearing race driver 1/2" flat round disc and then square the bushing up straight and carefully/easily drive it home.  I have never had to ream a pilot bushing on one of these cars yet. I insert a used input shaft to test fit the bushing sometimes to check for flaring of the bushing. If you beat the bushing up installing it you will have to size it to approx .005".

Bob

Edited March 9, 2013 by Dodgeb4ya

[greg g]

You can also fill the bushing with grease, then apply pressure with a suitable sized item like a dowel and tapping it with a hammer to pressurize the grease which will push the bushing out.

[OldDad67]

You can also fill the bushing with grease, then apply pressure with a suitable sized item like a dowel and tapping it with a hammer to pressurize the grease which will push the bushing out.

Also you can use an approprate size tap and then screw in a threaded bolt to remove a pilot bushing. Too easy.

[Dodgeb4ya]

Like a 5/8" X 11 tap? Then you need all thread and nuts and a spacer sleeve,

[woodie49]

Once again, you guys have really come through.  I had my doubts, but I packed the bearing with grease and used a socket wrapped with electrical tape as a plunger and it popped out after a few minutes of pounding away.  I thought I was going to end up with a face full of wheel bearing grease and looking for a bushing puller. I am amazed that  produced enough force to move the bushing out.

 

I have two pilot bushings for replacement; one looks like copper and is made by National,  the other was sent along with my rebuilt clutch and PP from Tennessee Clutch and is not copper. Is either one preferrable?  Also, do I use wheel bearing grease or lighter oil to grease it after I install it?

 

Thanks for all the suggestions.  This is really helping me to move this project along.

[Robert Horne]

Before I installed my oilite pilot bearing I put it in the freezer overnight.

I believe it shrinks the bearing a little.

The oilite bearings are a bronze color....

[rumble48]

I'm familar with the with the oilite style, it should be oil soaked before installation, I like the idea of cooling for shrinkage,  also I have had good luck using the old bearing as a driver to install the new.... saves you from hammering a flat surface into the new bearing....  good luck.

[woodie49]

I don't know if either f these is an "iolite" type bushing. The National box does not say that it is and the one from Tennesse Clutch  did not come in a box.

 

I tend to doubt either is of that type. Is there a way to tell?

 

Assuming not, do i use a small amount of wheel bearing grease to lubricate it once I install it?

[Jim Yergin]

Maybe Tennessee Clutch can provide some advice.

Jim Yergin

[Alshere59]

This may help look halfway down.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oilite

[woodie49]

This may help look halfway down.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oilite

 

It does look as though the box shows any of the standards listed. Probably not conclusive, but helpful.  Thank you.

[Dodgeb4ya]

Don't use grease to lube it. Use oil. The grease will clog the pores of the bushing and it can gall and squeal.

[woodie49]

It does look as though the box shows any of the standards listed. Probably not conclusive, but helpful.  Thank you.

Meant to say "does not look as though the box shows any of the standards listed".  I assume this is not an Oilite type.

[desoto1939]

I have the miller tool that removes the pilot bushing and also the miller tool that is used to insert the bushing and then burnish the bushing.

 

Contact me if you stillneed them.

 

Rich Hartung

Desoto1939@aol.com