This weekend I easily removed the pilot bearing from my '90 2wd v6 pickup. I stuffed candle wax into the bearing cavity and then tapped an 8mm socket with extension (1/4" drive) into the hole, thereby pushing the bearing out. The 8mm Husky socket fit perfectly, and the extension plugged the hole in the socket so wax cannot escape. I also stuffed wax into the socket. the idea is to make sure there is no air present, only the non-compressible media (candle wax in my case). You are essentially creating a hydraulic press to push the bearing out. I used about 1.5 small white votive candles worth of wax (ask your wife). I had to re-fill the cavity 2-3 times as the bearing moved out. Just smash the cold wax into the cavity with your thumb.

This was very easy and effective. I did not tap very hard. I think the candle wax is probably cleaner than using grease, as it won't squirt out and make a mess like grease might. I've read some on this board complain that this method is messy and ineffective. However, it worked like a charm for me.

 

Sounds pretty sweet. I have never had to remove a pilot bearing but I heard they can be a bear. My replacement engine came from an automatic so I just had to add the pilot, not remove the old one.

Rob

 

I do the same process with grease.

 

My dad and I tried the same with grease. We tried for about an hour before we gave up and decided to drive to checker auto and get a removal tool. Was much easier with the tool.

 

The problem with grease is its thin enough it will squirt around the bearing, if the bearing is worn or doesn't have a seal.

I never thought of candle wax, this is a great idea!

 

adding to list of cool new tricks to use at later date

Thanks!

 

I've heard a piece of sandwich bread works too. I guess that doughy stuff.

 

great advice just about 2 weeks too late (did mine with grease, never again). thanks

 

Wet news paper here. It worked just the same as the wax. Except wet news paper is easier to find and much cheaper. The only real bugger is, if you start out using a socket, clean the paper out before it dries. But I recommend using one of the large bolts from the bell housing you have laying there, they fit perfectly in the pilot bearing, and they don't have to be cleaned afterwards. When you are done pull out the wet paper, and I greased mine to prevent rust, I don't know if that is needed, but it was easy.


I also installed the Marlin Heavy duty clutch. I love it, it feels great, and works even better. Pay close attention how you took the throw out bearing out. It is common sense how it goes back in, but it'll take a few minutes to figure it out, if you didn't pay attention.

 

I have a tube of REALLY old grease that's all dried up. It's about the consistency of wax. That's what I use

 

Ive never had an issue with using grease. I said before that I used the same method, but I lied. Instead of using a socket and extension, I used a 1/2" bolt with electrical tape wrapped around it so it would match the id of the bearing. I've done it like this a buch of times with no hassle at all.