I am changing my clutch on the 90 Vert. I bought this pilot bearing tool for $39 at Harbor Tool (AKA Jack's Favorite Tool Store).

The thing worked like a champ, perfect fit, about 7-8 slams with the hammer and the Pilot bearing popped right out. It looks to be completely undamaged., meaning that the jaws fit perfectly behind the bearing.

The puller has a nice molded case and is a smokin' bargain.

Yes, that is the pilot bearing and the pilot bearing seal still on the end of the puller.

 

I have this one too and it works beautifully. No drama, no muss, no fuss. A rare thing when working on cars!

 

i have that set and unfortunaly it did not work at all for me. it actually forced me to buy the oem tool from mazda. perhaps mine was cast differently as the "fingers" did not grab the rear of the pilot bearing and only allowed it to slip out causing frustration.

 

Your bearing may have been pressed in too far. The presumeably thicker fingers couldn't get behind it and the thinner fingers of the Mazda tool may have fit.

FWIW I had to rent the autobone puller. We had to grind the fingers down so they would grab properly and weld a nut on the end so it would fit my buddies slide hammer....... It was $25. Now I'm thinking about returning it and buying this one. Nice find Jack.

 

Why not just go rent one at auto zone when you need it? Worked for me. Save money.

 

yeah buddy how much did it cost you?

i rented a impact wrench for 15 bucks for 3 days........i had fun

 

um..it was free basically.. you pay like 20 bucks to get it...then when you bring it back they give you ALL your the money back

Theres a good amount of things you can rent from them

 

thats freakin pimp im gonna have to go to auto zone for my rentals now

thanks for the knowledge

i see your from des moines...iowa?

i have family there

 

Lolz I know its good. They might not have something but have a good amount. I actually just moved up to the Twin Cities not too long ago. Staying in Little Canada with my brother. Snow sucks up here but not too bad.

Where you at in MN?

 

I have seen several recommendations to drive the pilot bearing in until it bottoms out. I don't think this is the proper depth.

Question: What is the proper depth to seat the pilot bearing? Deep enough to allow the seal to be flush with the front surface of the flywheel?

 

I've also read some people saying to bottom the bearing out. It you do that, what can the puller grab onto? The inner cage which easily tears apart leaving you to pick out the bearings. Now you're still left with the outer race pressed into the shaft forcing you to bust out the old die-grinder or porting bit and internally cutting it in half. Not my idea of fun.

The FSM says to use the special installation tool. I can't find a pic of it but I seem to remember it having a face on it to prevent it from being over driven.

 

I did, and it didn't worked, as TitaniumTT stated, the fingers were too "thick". I wasn't willing to grind it and then pay for it.

 

I had to do that, but then after buying it it was worth it after how many engines I swapped the clutch on.

 

im about 15 min south from the cities called Lakeville
its nice to talk to rx7 enthusiast from Mn or atleast somewhere close to here