With the FSM and input from threads and forum members I tackled changing a leaky front cover gasket as per suggested sequence of events. It all went smooth until I turned the motor over by hand. When doing so I could hear bearing noise.

I paniced and ripped it all apart. Both torrington bearings where sitting happily in place. I did notice that the copper washer thats sits against the pully boss wasnt centered on the main bolt.(oops)

Is it normal to hear bearing noise when turned over by hand? I couldnt hear the noise before I ripped it appart to replace the gasket. The big difference is there probably wasnt much oil in the bearings after i replaced the gasket,

More info:
Pulled it appart last night.
Assembled it this evening(24hrs)Cluth was engaged in first gear the whole time
tighten main bolt to 90 foot pounds

I think i panicked for no reason and now get to reassemble it all over again plus find a new copper washer.

Your input will allow me sleep better.
Cheers Drew

 

Don't forget to check the endplay.

James

 

Once I heard the noise and before i pulled it apart i tried to push and pull the pully boss. I couldnt get any feel of play at all which added to my panic, but im sure it we be hard to feel 0.04 -0.09 with my bare hands.

 

Anyone??

 

What, you want me to tell you to buy or borrow a dial indicator?

 

Listen, I had to pull my front cover several months ago and had some questions about end play too. Here is what a very reliable engine builder told me:

Unless you rebuilt your engine by replacing major components, THERE IS NO NEED TO CHECK endplay just for pulling the front cover. Endplay should be the same as it was before. Endplay, of course, will be off if you pinched the T-bearing. I applied some thick grease to mine to keep them seated and it was almost impossible to pry them back out with my fingers with the grease. Keeping the clutched pressed in and with the front of the car jacked up higher than the rear ensured mine didn't slip and guess what, they didn't.

Good thing that you are getting a new cooper washer. Several people resused their washers and it leaked on them. Don't forget the loctite on main bolt and don't worry about the 90 ft-lbs of torque, just use a quick zip on an impact wrench and you'll be ok.

 

Perhaps this will help:

http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/pulley.htm

 

What kind of noise? Grinding? Scraping?

A "swooshing" noise is normal as the internals sweep around.

 

Aaron, the noise isnt a swooshing soud(compression???) its more like the sound of each individual bearing going dun dun dun dun dun dun when i turn the motor over.

End play shouldnt have changed and the motor ran fine before I pulled it apart. Im still thinking i jumped the gun and all Im hearing is a dry bearing squished between two surfaces.

 

The bearings shouldn't be dry. They should have been properly lubed with assembly lube prior to installation.

I've never heard such a noise after assembling the front hub stuff, so if I were you I would pull it apart and check. I've seen first hand the damage a torrington bearing can cause, and it is not pretty.

 

Aaron, thanks for your input. I understand what you are saying but the engine was running in the car and the job was to replace the front cover due to an oil leak. As im sitting here analyzing the job Im starting to wonder if a small piece of scraped gasket got in between the counter weight and the thrush washer/torrington bearing. Im going to clean all the parts reassemble with assembly grease, a new copper washer(1 week away) and try assembly again.