replacing pilot bearing

[Steves LX]

I have a 89 LX 302 I need to replace my pilot bearing along with my clutch. I have never replaced a pilot bearing before. Is there anything I need to have or know before I tackle this? Also I will be doing this with the motor in the car and on jackstands.

[mustangrfast88]

they make a tool you can rent form auto zone that you attch to a slide hammer and it works good at getting the pilot bearing out. you want to put the pilot bearing in the frezer for about 2 hours before you are ready to use it and it will make it alot easier to put in and thats all there is to putting in a new pilot bearing

[Steves LX]

O.K. thanks. Another question I have is do I need to get my flywheel turned before I install this new clutch I bought? I just had it turned about 3000 miles ago before I dropped the motor back in the car. I know I should have replaced the clutch then. But I didn't think then I was going to go out and try to do a big 2nd gear burnout with a 320LB passenger with me. There was more smoke coming off the clutch than there was the tires. So needless to say with the abuse the clutch received before I owned the car and the abuse I have put it thru its about history.

[mustangrfast88]

i would atleast clean it off with some sand paper or a right angle grinder with a disc to get all the glasing off of the surface if the flywheel and make sure you clean it will brake parts cleaner before you install the clutch and let it dry to make sure there is no dirt or anything on the flywheel

[fst 5pto]

Get it turned at a machine shop... it isn't that expensive and it will save a ton more headaches and cash on the future if something is wrong with it.

[Steves LX]

Well I went and rented some piece of crap puller from Advance auto and the damn thing did nothing but continue to slip off and chew up the bearing cage where all the bearings are(were). They are all on the ground now. I stuck my finger min there and there is not much of a lip at all for the jaws on this puller to catch onto. So any ideas on what to do now?

[8NO4CYL]

Last resort use a small chisel and take small bites until you can pry it out. Be extra CAREFUL not to destroy the back of the crank.

[fst 5pto]

I believe you can shove grease in there and find something to fit in the middle of the pilot bearing and force it out that way? Anyone care to chime in on that?

[8NO4CYL]

Yeah if you can find something the same size as the input shaft in the trans. Obviously it has to be long enough to hold and hit with a hammer.

[Black Horse]

Now that you have destroyed the old bearing - take a very small chisel or screwdriver and bend up the old outer race until you can grab it with pliers or diagonal cutters and pull it the rest of the way out.

[Blowpastyou]

I pack the hole with grease, put a bolt that is close to the size of the input shaft on the tranny. I found one in a spare bolt box i have, Dont know what size it is. tap it with a hammer and it hydraulics the old one right out. Quick and easy.

[Dirtyd0g]

I made an aluminum driver to pack the hole with grease and drive the thing out, works great. The slide hammer tools work but they can be a pita, I have one and I prefer the driver.
Alan

[Steves LX]

I ended up using a slide hammer and waas able to get it out. I appreciate all the help guys.