Falcon

I am in the process of replacing the clutch and flywheel. I have come up against a small hurdle with the Pilot bearing, it is pushed all the way into the crank and cannot be approached from the rear with a pilot removal tool. Any tips to remove would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
André


Solved the hurdle......if anyone runs into this problem this is what worked for me. I used a small cold chisel (3/8) and carefully cut the front of the pilot bearing enough to raise the inner needle bearing cage. This allowed me to remove it with pliers leaving an inside lip on the front of the outer race. I then used a pilot bearing puller tighened up against this lip and a slide hammer to remove it. Make sure you check for any needle bearings left behind. Hope this helps if you come across this situation.

m_snoby

I have been told that the reason the my newly installed transmission has this same problem of a blown pilot bearing. (yes I installed the tranny myself). Anyways, you said that you had a pilot bearing puller right? Well can you just use a generic one or do you have buy the mazda special one?
TIA

Falcon

I borrowed a small generic pilot bearing puller w/slide hammer from Autozone. It would have been a piece of cake if the previous installer had not pushed it in all the way. If you find yourself in the same situation as I was you can try what I did.

Good Luck,
Andre

m_snoby

Thanks man that helps out. I think that I will be in the same sack of poo that you were in. But since I can use a generic bearing puller it will be A LOT cheaper.
Mazdatrix wanted like 107 bucks for the thing.

Thank you for your help