Suggestions on Pilot Bearing removal?

CANNON1349

MECHANIC
1987 FORD RANGER
2.3L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
170,000 MILES

Hi guys, my turn for help! Working on this truck and the pilot bearing will not come out. My pilot bearing puller busted the cage and needles out of it, and the race is stuck in the crank. I attached a picture of the mess, I've tried grinding, bread, grease, heat, all of it. I just keep widdling away at the metal. I also attached a pic of the new bearing for reference. Any tips? Am I being too careful ajd should just hammer a line in it with a chisel?

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3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

You don't want to damage the bearing's seat. Do you have a die grinder and burr bits? (Pic below) I would slowly grind away from the inside of the bearing until it is thin enough to gently pry out of the crank.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

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Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 AT 9:36 PM

CANNON1349

MECHANIC
672 POSTS

Yes, that is what I've been doing. My bits are softer than the ones in your picture so the amount of metal I'm removing is very little. Perhaps this is defeating the purpose. If you recommend these rough bits I will try them. I know the front of the hole is messy, but I haven't put any deep marks in the race, because I can't tell how thick it is. Just nerve wracking.

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Thursday, August 15th, 2024 AT 7:26 AM

CANNON1349

MECHANIC
672 POSTS

Alright I got it! I used some burr bits like your pic and dremeled out two spots 180 degrees from each other and it eventually spun out. Got 2 shallow spots in the crank but they are not deep. Think I'll be alright?

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