bfeito

Hello Fellows,
Doing a clutch install this weekend, and it was going very smoothly unitil tonight. Got everything off and I was using the SST to get out the pilot bearing. Got in in and expanded into the bearing, and gave it a few wacks to get it out. Comes out, but i only got in center insert with the splines. The sleeve that is on the outside of the bearing is still in there. I have tried to get it out many times and the tool does grip when i tighten it all the way, but even when it grips it still doesn't pull out the rest of the bearing, it just slips out and it stays in. Has anyone else had this problem or know how to fix it? Thanks,

Brent Feito

insomniac

iTrader: (5)

try bringing it to a machine shop, they might have a special puller that you can adapt on there and pull it off.

adam c

iTrader: (2)

If you cannot remove the bearing with the tool, you probably will have to cut it out. It is likely beyond removing with the tool at this point. I suggest some sort of cutting tool to cut into the edge. Once you get the edge cut, pry it up. Then you can get a small chisel under it. That should be enough to remove it.

Rotarded

I've had that exact problem before. I found that I was not getting the tool all the way behind the pilot bearing. The Autozone puller fingers were slightly too thick to squeeze in behind the pilot bearing's rolled edge. I narrowed the ends with a bench grinder and was able to remove the sleeve.

bfeito

Does the rear edge of the pilot bearing sit flush with the key? I fear that in the first failed attempt the bearing was pushed back. The edge of the mazda SST is flat so maybe the space that it has to fit into it got smaller. I can get it close to expanded but it always pops back in front of the ring. I will try grinding the edge so it can fit in. Thanks,

Brent

TwinTriangles

That happened on my truck, That sucks huge man. I just kept tapping the same spot with a screw driver until it had a cut down it all the way, then picked a corner and pounded that until it rolled up a bit, then heated it up a bit and grabbed it with a needle nose and twisted it so it rolled up then pulled it out. That was actually the problem was th pilot fell apart and that piece was still in there, that tacked on like an extra 21/2 hours to that job...! haha have fun

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

Are you using the Mazda tool or an Autozone tool? You might not be getting it fully behind the pilot bearing. Or, like another poster suggested, the pilot bearing might be shoved back against the e-shaft lip - if so, you're gonna have a helluva time trying to remove it.

In general, the Mazda tool works GREAT. I can typically have a pilot bearing out in one piece in about 30 seconds with mine.

But, if all else fails, there is cutting it out. I don't recommend cutting, since it's VERY easy to damage the E-shaft or cut too far if you're not careful. But, if nothing else does it, cutting will do the trick. Expect to spend some uncomfortable time on the project, though!

Dale

bfeito

Unfortunately I had the mazda tool and had the same problem, i fear cutting out may be neccesary. I was hoping that sharpening the edge of the tool would work, but i am not sure at this point. I will keep you guys posted.

Brent

broken93

This may or may not help you; I ripped the inner splines out like you said first, and then got the sleeve out with a bolt and a washer:

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/how-remove-pilot-bearing-without-pilot-bearing-removal-tool-339030/

bfeito

HAHA!!!!! GOT IT!!! grinded down the edge of the tool and it grabbed behind it. Thanks for the help gents.

Brebt

broken93

Man you got lucky, glad it worked out in the end.