Suggestions on Pilot Bearing removal?

1987 FORD RANGER
170,000 MILES • 2.3L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
CANNON1349
  • ✓CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 861 POSTS
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?
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Aug 14, 2024 at 6:18 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 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.
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Aug 14, 2024 at 9:36 PM
Avatar
CANNON1349
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 861 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.
Aug 15, 2024 at 7:26 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
CANNON1349
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 861 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?
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Aug 15, 2024 at 3:09 PM