Imput shaft question

[Hitch]

I'm in the process of swapping trans. out in my 1989 Ranger 2.3. I noticed the trans. that i was going to put in my truck had some wear marks on the end of the imput shaft where the pilot bearing rides, the imput shaft on the one I pulled out is good. Is there any trick to swapping them like any bearings that will fall out when I remove it.

 

[tomw]

I think you have to disassemble the transmission to replace the input shaft or bearing. If memory is working, it is about the first part installed, maybe second, after the 'cluster gear'.
If you have access to a shop manual, you can read the steps in order for disassembly and re-assembly, at least older paper shop manuals had such.
tom

 

[RonD]

You should have the M5OD-R1 trans in an '89 4cyl

Good read/look here at its assembly: http://www.fordrangerforum.com/drivetrain-tech/20252-ford-m5od-r1-rebuild.html

As said above, no, you can not just replace the input shaft without a complete tear down.

 

[zekew64]

Something you can do is take steel wool with brake cleaner and attempt to clean up the pilot bearing part of the shaft. As long as it is smooth, with no noticeable scoring or scratches, you should be good to go.

Relatedly, I just removed my trans today because of a clutch issue (mine was just dirty all around, and two clutch springs are rattling, causing a "chatter"), and I noticed discoloration on my input shaft -- no scratches or other damage, so I'm going to use Bright Boy steel wool to clean mine up before reinstalling.

 

[tomw]

I *think* most pilot bearings are now either roller or ball bearing. If you have discoloration, then I'd be checking that the pilot is working properly. A 'locked up' pilot will heat the end of the input shaft as there is no grease on the inner diameter of the bearing or on the surface of the input shaft. You can use a finger to check that the inner race of the pilot bearing rotates smoothly and easily. If not, replace it if you have the clutch pressure plate removed.
If you have a bushing in place of a bearing, it needs to have a dollop of grease shoved into the bushing, and 'behind' the bushing in the cavity in the crankshaft. It does not need to be filled, just a good 'fingertip' of grease, and a little wiped on the inner of the bushing.
If it is 'blued' then it has run hot, and things should be checked more carefully. IMO.
tom

 

[zekew64]

I'm replacing the pilot bearing, as I don't know how long it has been in there. BUT, if I may, this clutch ran for 5 years with no problems until now.

Now I just have to figure out how to pull the old one from the crank. Not to thread-jack, but has anybody tried the 'bread trick'?