can't get pilot bearing out

[ncsdaonex]

i have a 2.3L 1990 ranger 2wd 4 cylinder, i tried getting the pilot bearing out with a screwdriver, that was a bad idea. i mangled up the old one. all the spline bearings are out of it but the ring of the pilot bearing is still in, i tried filling it with grease and forcing a punch in and had no luck. i bought a pilot bearing remover with a slide hammer. the pilot bearing remover was a little to big so i grinded it so it will fit my bearing. i am hoping this will work, any other suggestions, my last resort is to drill it out?

 

[bottledgt]

die grinder...very carefully

 

[ncsdaonex]

die grinder...very carefully

so if the puller doesn't work, i should use a die grinder? now if i use that do i just grind carefully around the inside of the hole until the new pilot bearing fits in snug. now the chances of the hole being perfect are slim so if its off one or 2 millimeters will it affect anything?

 

[turbo cat]

Ive used dremels to cut them out before just be very very very very careful

 

[Hibs]

pilot bearing remover with slide hammer should do the trick. I've never had one that i couldn't get out using that method.

 

[dennis461]

You need to buy or make something like this only smaller.
Or take a flat blade screwdriver.
Grind the side of the tip leaving an L shape to reach behind and pull with a vise grip.
Take the handle off the screwdriver.
Work around the perimeter, pulling a little each time.

Another option, you said the needles are already out.
Can you drive a small pointed punch (or screwdriver ground down very narrow) in underneath the needle cage causing it to collapse inward?

 

[Hibs]

a slide hammer with the proper attachment will work 100x better then any hand screwdriver or pick trying to poke and pry it out.

 

[dennis461]

a slide hammer with the proper attachment will work 100x better then any hand screwdriver or pick trying to poke and pry it out.

I agree, but he said the needles are already out and what's left is already "mangled".
The needle races may not have enough meat left for the puller to grab.

ncsdaonex, did you try a puller ??

 

[ncsdaonex]

I agree, but he said the needles are already out and what's left is already "mangled".
The needle races may not have enough meat left for the puller to grab.

ncsdaonex, did you try a puller ??

not yet, thats my project for tomorrow

 

[bottledgt]

so if the puller doesn't work, i should use a die grinder? now if i use that do i just grind carefully around the inside of the hole until the new pilot bearing fits in snug. now the chances of the hole being perfect are slim so if its off one or 2 millimeters will it affect anything?

no, no ,no...i meant just grind through one side with a cutter till its almost through and then break it with a punch. then you should be able to yank it out with something. if you hapen to grind through, just make sure you only do it in one spot.just try not to

 

[ncsdaonex]

I agree, but he said the needles are already out and what's left is already "mangled".
The needle races may not have enough meat left for the puller to grab.

ncsdaonex, did you try a puller ??

okay, i used the puller and it pulled it right out, thanks

 

[dennis461]

okay, i used the puller and it pulled it right out, thanks