915 Rebuild/Refresh and SSI Questions

[yelcab1]

With the 911, I always replace the rear main seal (flywheel side) when I am in there for any reason. If it leaks, it is a pain in the arse to get to again. I have always gotten lucky with installation without any tools. It is bad karma to drop the engine, separate it from the transmission and NOT replace this rear main seal.

[Inniswhe]

My homemade press worked quite well until the seal was about 3/4 of the way in at which point it got quite stiff. The welds broke as I only partially welded the perimeter of the bolt where it attached to the old pilot bearing.

The tool permitted a nice even installation to that point, much easier I expect than trying to start it without such a tool. I just used my plastic cleanout cover and a hammer to tap it in the remainder of the way. It was actually pretty easy. I have read in other threads that the seal presses in easily to a point at which it gets pretty stiff.

If I had to do it again I would use the same method. I just hope it does not leak.

Ross

[Walt Fricke]

Ross

I think I can modify this tool I made. As you can see, its intent was to allow a hammer blow to distribute the force evenly around the seal. Alas, it didn't work. I could shorten it so the tool would have less opportunity to wander when drawn in by a screw mechanism. Your idea is ingenious (at least if it works).

[sjf911]

Did you reuse your old rear pinion bearing and race (999.110.146.00) with the case repair or were you able to source a new one? They are showing as NLA now.

[Inniswhe]

I reused the existing althought this would probably not be recommended by most experts .

I reused all of the bearings in the gearbox. I discussed this with my machinest and the bearings seamed to have no noticeable signs of wear. I would have liked to have replaced all bearings but was cost prohibitive on this project for me.

Bear in mind that my gearbox did not have any real damage other than worn synchros. It had 132Kmiles.

Ross

[sjf911]

Thanks, it looks like there won't be much choice in the if rear pinion bearings really are NLA unless there is some aftermarket equivalent.

[Inniswhe]

I am pretty sure they are available from our host, or they were a few months ago. It was actually the most economical of all the bearings in there if I recall. It must be an aftermarket unit.