ar ex seven

iTrader: (2)

Started doing a transmission swap and clutch/flywheel replacement on my buddies 91 NA Rx-7 and hit a bit of an obstacle. Everything went smooth until we got to the removal of the old pilot bearing...

Inside the e-shaft was bits and pieces of the old pilot bearing and the casing of the bearing seemed to have welded itself to the inside of the shaft. Now, I'm late in asking this since I already ground out about 90% of the bearing casing off of the interior shaft wall, but where the hell do I go from here, did I go in the right direction with this?

Hoping we don't need to replace the e-shaft.

RXnos1200

iTrader: (24)

after you have removed all the bearing casing out; if the new bearing just slides in and out easily then you have your answer. the new bearing should fit by tapping it with a bearing installer or piping close to the size of the casing. I have read and seen people install the bearing their own way. But it should go in snug and not loose......also the seal would need to be alittle snug....

when I have issues with the pilot bearing like that; I only cut into one part of the bearing carefully and then tap a screwdriver to lift it up and then pry it out. That way it has minimal damage if any. So far it has worked out good for me this way. There are other methods I have read here on the forums that member have had success with. Just have to search......good luck....

ar ex seven

iTrader: (2)

Ok thanks for the advice buddy.
About the seal...do I really need it? I've heard some people don't even bother and I'm wondering since the inside of the shaft is a tad on the gummed up side the less **** in there the better.

Any input? Thanks.

RXnos1200

iTrader: (24)

I've always replaced the pilot bearing and seal myself. I have heard from many people that they didn't reinstall a new seal and have had no issues........

ar ex seven

iTrader: (2)

No seal it is.
Thanks for the help. I'll post results of it all as soon as I have em.

Barnett87GXL

iTrader: (2)

why wouldn't you replace the seal, i got mine from the dealer for $3, might as well do it while you have it apart. It save you from having to take it apart because the bearing is full of crap

Just my 2 cents.

RXnos1200

iTrader: (24)

^^^^^ I agree, it's cheap and cost effective..........

ar ex seven

iTrader: (2)

Pretty sure I will have problems with this bearing after a while anyway, why not throw some extra metal in there. I have it already so...yeah.

Appreciate the help guys.

76rx7

the rx7 pilot bearing design sucks. Why didn't they use an inner race? Anyway, the grease, will leave the bearing with time without a seal. Also, I have found out the hard way that the Mazda bearing is of far better quality than the one I got at autozone/advanced auto. The aftermarket ones last 10 minutes. Without a seal, the factory bearing in my old FB lasted a few months before starting to fail. it's not worth saving $3 to take the trans off again.

ar ex seven

iTrader: (2)

Well I'm not really trying to save money, just trying to avoid more fragile metal in there than necessary. An inner race would ease my worries, BUT I will install the seal.

Now waiting on a new bearing from mazdatrix because the one I had was ruined from grinding dust and you guys talk so poorly about the autozone ones.

I'll keep ya's posted. Thanks again.


Oh, and I figured I'd share for people who find themselves unable to remove the pilot bearing because their puller (usually the rented ones) is too large to fit through the casing. Simply open the puller wide and use only one arm of the puller to grip the bearing and use a little pressure to hold the tooth against the bearing casing, works great.