The Ford Barn

jchotrods · 04-21-2011, 09:43 PM

Can you tell me how to correctly replace the pilot bearing in a 31 Model A? I have the transmission off but not sure if I need the flywheel off also.
Thanks! -John

Tom Wesenberg · 04-21-2011, 11:10 PM

If you don't have the correct puller, many times it works to pack the air space behind the bearing with grease, then insert a pilot shaft and hit it with a hammer. The grease will push the bearing or bushing out.

john in illinois · 04-22-2011, 08:22 AM

If the bearing is not sealed,the grease method won't work. A small slide hammer with a two jaw internal puller makes quick work of it.

Kurt in NJ · 04-22-2011, 08:56 AM

I have used a bolt with a nut, and a crowbar ---a screwdriver blade shoved in to keep the bolt head offset, pull the bearing out like pulling a nail --it can take some resetting on opposite sides to work it out.

Once late at night and having nothing else I used channel lock pliers and a small hammer--hooked the jaw under the bearing and tapped on the other jaw ---not nice but I got it out

With the A you can take off the flywheel and drive it out from either side ---just remember to mark the location on the crank ---and a bar bolted across for a handle can make for much less chance of squashed fingers and toes.

Robert Winston · 04-22-2011, 02:31 PM

Pack the bearing half full of grease and the other half with wet news paper, use a 3/8 socket extension to put inside the bearing, as you pound keep adding more wet newspaper. Took me about 5 minutes to remove mine.

Hope this helps.

jchotrods · 04-22-2011, 09:46 PM

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Thanks, that helped alot!

Tom Endy · 04-22-2011, 11:05 PM

It is always prudent to replace the flywheel pilot bearing when ever you have the engine or transmission out of the car. However many people ignore the condition of the pilot end of the transmission input shaft. Many are worn down from spinning inside the bearing. This condition aLLows the end of the shaft to be improperly supported and leads to popping out of gear.

The end of the pilot shaft should have a nice "sliding" fit into the bearing. You do not want an interference fit as you would have difficulty installing the transmission.

Input shafts pilots can be repaired. I have a friend and colleague who has a Model A shop that has developed a repair technique. He turns down the pilot, then presses on a sleeve with an interference press fit, then turns down the sleeve for a "sliding" fit into a new bearing.

His price is very reasonable. If anyone is interested contact Jim's Automotive Services, Costa Mesa, CA 714-546-2969.

Tom Endy

04-21-2011, 09:43 PM	#1
jchotrods Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Morgan Hill, California Posts: 19	Pilot bearing replacement Can you tell me how to correctly replace the pilot bearing in a 31 Model A? I have the transmission off but not sure if I need the flywheel off also. Thanks! -John

04-21-2011, 11:10 PM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Pilot bearing replacement If you don't have the correct puller, many times it works to pack the air space behind the bearing with grease, then insert a pilot shaft and hit it with a hammer. The grease will push the bearing or bushing out.

04-22-2011, 08:22 AM	#3
john in illinois Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,191	Re: Pilot bearing replacement If the bearing is not sealed,the grease method won't work. A small slide hammer with a two jaw internal puller makes quick work of it.

04-22-2011, 08:56 AM	#4
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,174	Re: Pilot bearing replacement I have used a bolt with a nut, and a crowbar ---a screwdriver blade shoved in to keep the bolt head offset, pull the bearing out like pulling a nail --it can take some resetting on opposite sides to work it out. Once late at night and having nothing else I used channel lock pliers and a small hammer--hooked the jaw under the bearing and tapped on the other jaw ---not nice but I got it out With the A you can take off the flywheel and drive it out from either side ---just remember to mark the location on the crank ---and a bar bolted across for a handle can make for much less chance of squashed fingers and toes.

04-22-2011, 02:31 PM	#5
Robert Winston Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Franklin tn Posts: 8	Re: Pilot bearing replacement Pack the bearing half full of grease and the other half with wet news paper, use a 3/8 socket extension to put inside the bearing, as you pound keep adding more wet newspaper. Took me about 5 minutes to remove mine. Hope this helps.

04-22-2011, 09:46 PM	#6
jchotrods Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Morgan Hill, California Posts: 19	Re: Pilot bearing replacement Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks, that helped alot!

04-22-2011, 11:05 PM	#7
Tom Endy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,136	Re: Pilot bearing replacement It is always prudent to replace the flywheel pilot bearing when ever you have the engine or transmission out of the car. However many people ignore the condition of the pilot end of the transmission input shaft. Many are worn down from spinning inside the bearing. This condition aLLows the end of the shaft to be improperly supported and leads to popping out of gear. The end of the pilot shaft should have a nice "sliding" fit into the bearing. You do not want an interference fit as you would have difficulty installing the transmission. Input shafts pilots can be repaired. I have a friend and colleague who has a Model A shop that has developed a repair technique. He turns down the pilot, then presses on a sleeve with an interference press fit, then turns down the sleeve for a "sliding" fit into a new bearing. His price is very reasonable. If anyone is interested contact Jim's Automotive Services, Costa Mesa, CA 714-546-2969. Tom Endy