How do you remove the pilot bearing

[Tripster]

I am installing a 915 transmission behind my 78 3.3 turbo and I need to change the pilot bearing. Is there a trick to removing it? Any help would be great.

[Charlie V]

I had to remove the flywheel and then tap it out (gently with a hammer) front to back.

[Tripster]

Flywheel is off the car, maybe I am wrong but I talking about the rear of the crank

[hoff944]

Use a socket to tap the old one out. I forget which size fits in there good. Then use a block of would and a mallet to lightly tap in the new one to make sure you don't damage it.

[HawgRyder]

Quick way is to leave the flywheel on and fill the cavity in the pilot bearing with grease.
Using a rod or drift that fits the hole (the center hole) as tight as possible, punch (with a hammer) the drift into the bearing.
The grease will "hydraulic" the old bearing out towards you!.
Now install the new bearing.
Bob

[Charlie V]

Bob, you are the best....always a very practical and simple solution to any problem facing mankind.

[Tripster]

Thanks guys, I will try this tonight when I get home. I was starting to think the pilot bearing pressed into the flywheel from what I had read on other post. But as you can clearly see it is in the crank itself as I have always known them to be.

[HawgRyder]

Charlie...thank you for the accolade...but I stole the idea from an old time roundy-round racer.
He had a very old flat head Ford race car (stock car) and would have to change clutches and bearings between heats.
I helped him a couple of times (I was about 12 then) and he showed me the trick.
John...if you're looking down...thanks for all the advice and guidance.
Bob