Date:         Mon, 10 Mar 2003 21:31:46 -0500
Reply-To:     email99@BELLSOUTH.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ed McLean <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      The Seven Step Method for removing pilot bearings
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There's been a lot of discussion on methods for removing pilot bearings.
 It's really not that hard.  I've used this method for pulling pilot
bearings for years.

1.  Find a bolt with a head that will just slip inside the pilot
bearing.  The length should be at least 4 inches long.  The bolt should
have threads over its entire length.  I think I have used a 1/4 x 5 inch
or 5/16 x 5 inch carriage bolt.  The round head of the carriage bolt is
the ideal shape for slipping behind the bearing.

2.  Stick the bolt head into the pilot bearing until the head of the
bolt is in the space behind the pilot bearing.

3.  Insert a piece of wood or other object inside the pilot bearing
beside the bolt shank to gently wedge the first bolt off center in the
bearing.  This will lock the bolt head securely behind the pilot bearing.

4.  Place your largest 1/2 inch drive socket, open end toward the pilot
bearing, over the bolt.  Make sure the wedge does not protrude into the
socket too far.

5.  Follow with a washer and hex nut.

6.  Gently tighten the hex nut.  The carriage bolt head, and
consequently the pilot bearing, will be gently pulled into the open end
of the socket.

7.  When the whole mess falls on the floor you know the pilot bearing
has been removed.