Hi, I am looking to rebuild my 12A and was wondering if anybody knows the best place to buy the special tools, I already know about Atkins, Mazdatrix, and Pineapple Racing, just wondering if there are any others I am overlooking. Also as far as the Counter weight puller, does anyone know if you need to use the factory tool or can I get away with using a universal puller?

 

There really aren't any special tools for a rotary rebuild besides the 54MM/2 1/8" flywheel socket.

If you are referring to the front counterweight, it just slips off of the eccentric. If you are referring to the rear counterweight/flywheel, then just put a pry bar underneath it and pry up while you hit it with a hammer.

You can see a complete 13B (same procedure as the 12A) disassembly here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1MXfs_Srs4

All hand tools.

 

Mazda dealers, perhaps?

 

If you want to get butt raped. There is a reason they call them *Stealerships!

*Exception is Ray Crowe at Malloy Mazda.

 

no special tools or pullers needed. i've done 2 rebuilds and needed neither.

 

Actually I'm talking about the bearing pullers/ installers and flywheel holding tools specifically, Any idea who has the best prices?

 

u can make ur own flywheel stopper, and for the bearings, i just let the ppl i got the bearings from install them.

 

Do the FBs have a pilot bearing in the rear of the e-shaft for the transmission input shaft like the FDs?

 

You don't need a flywheel stopper if you have a decent impact wrench. And if you don't have such a wrench, just get a piece of angle iron and drill it for two of the pressure plate mounting holes.

There are Mazda tools to remove and reinstall rotor/stationary gear bearings, but I have never used them. I use a big socket to press the bearings out, then drive the new bearing in with the old bearing.

A blind bearing puller (pilot bearing puller) is something you can get from any of the tool stores. They are a bit pricey though. If you are only going to do a few pilot bearings, then you don't need the tool. Get a socket that fits inside the bearing and plug the end with a washer. Pack the bearing and end of the e-shaft full of grease. Now hammer the socket in. The hydraulic pressure from the grease will force the bearing out. Or Dremel it out, if you have about 30 minutes to kill...

All of the manual transmission rotarys have a pilot bearing in the e-shaft.

 

oh that's the bearing u were referring to. yes, all vehicles that have manual trannys have pilot bearings. i had a friend that has those tools install mine when i built the engine. when i did a friends car i rented a puller and just used a hammer and socket to install it. the "special tool" for installing them is designed with a step that stops against the shaft to get them to the right depth for the seal to go in next. the bearing isn't supposed to be driven all the way till it stops.

 

Figured they did, but wasn't sure.
You could probably take the e-shaft to the local MAZDA dealer and have them pull it for you. Wouldn't think it could cost THAT much.
I bought a used MAZDA puller (SST) some years back. I've used it a couple of times on my own stuff, and several other times for friends. Makes it a 30 sec. job with no risk to the e-shaft.
I agree it was a bit pricey. But having it around allows you to change out a $20 bearing in less than a minute and not be tempted to leave the old one in....and end up having to pull the transmission a second time when it starts to make noise.

Haven't tried it, but Harbor Frieght sells a blind bearing puller that sure looks like it should work for $60. Watch for coupons and sales you could probably pick one up for ~$45. http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog...=blind+bearing

 

i have no doubt that would work, would probably use the smaller one, but at the same time ur buying alot u'll never use. renting the tool is an option like i did that time. but not everyone has the $150+ u have to pay for something like that to take it home. ur essentially buying the tool. it's 2 parts, the bearing puller and the slide hammer. but u do get that back when u return it, making it free rental. needless to say it was quite a shocker that day when i got the total for how much i had to pay. i figured i'd have to pay something, just not that much.