Pulling the flywheel, I used a puller that damaged the lip where the pilot bearing and seal go in the e-shaft. How big a deal is this? I know I need a new seal there, but is there anything that can leak by? Or worse yet, do I need a new e-shaft??

 

Ever heard the old adage "a picture is worth a thousand words"?

Still applies

 

Yeah, interrupted by the wife...knew I needed to add a photo.

 

If all you did was kick up a burr, or put a ding on the edge, just grind off the high spot. You'll have to remove the bearing and, most likely, have to replace it. I can't tell by the pic if you have distorted the bearing/seal.

 

You've already skinned that cat, but for future reference, alternating taps on opposite sides of the flywheel (using your hands, rubber mallet, whatever) gets the flywheel off easily.

The picture... I can't tell. Can you post a larger, maybe better resolution picture? Tony's probably hit the nail on the head, but without being able to really see the damage, we're just shooting in the dark here.

 

The problem isn't the size of the picture, it's the blurriness.

Though I doubt it'll be a problem...

 

Okay, I'm officially a moron. The damaged part was the old seal. Pulled it out. The e-shaft is fine.....whew!

 

Now you will be on the quest to find a suitable replacement pilot bearing seal. Maybe a local Mazda dealer can get you one, but if that all falls through, order it from Mazdatrix.

http://mazdatrix.com/getprice.asp?partnum=11-404A-1881