This thread is intended to help people who are rebuilding a Porsche 915 transmission understand why people recommend replacing the original 2 piece bearing retainer plates, and consolidate installation procedures and tips associated with installation of a one piece bearing retainer plate as offered by Pelican Parts.
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Why Replace With a One Piece Bearing Retainer?
When rebuilding a Porsche 915 transmission, many people find that the bearing races that are press-fit into the differential section of the transmission case - have become loose.
Loose pinion shaft bearing - able to be removed from case, or spun in the case with finger tips:
The pinion and main shaft bearing races are press fit (driven into / very tight fit) into the differential section of the transmission case - if the races are loose
this whole part needs to be shipped to a machine shop: to restore the case's race fittings:
Here's a video showing one of the original 2 piece bearing retainers and fitment with the bearing that the retainer is intended to support:
This pinion shaft bearing retainer is out of a 915/73 that had ~ 200k miles. The race may have fit tight to the bearing originally - but it's clearly a loose fit now...
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One Piece Bearing Retainer Plates
Pelican Parts offers aftermarket 1 piece bearing retainer plates that provide a better fit for the bearing (pressed into the retainer) and better structural support to secure the bearing to the case.
These 1 piece bearing retainer plates can be bought at Pelican; search for CMS-915-BRT, or WVO-XT-032
Here's a link to the both manufacturer's products / websites:
CMS 1 Piece Bearing Retainer Plate
https://californiamotorsports.net/products/cms-915-bearing-retaining-plate
Wevo 1 Piece Bearing Retainer Plate
https://www.wevo.com/Products/TransmissionProducts/WevoTransmissionProducts-Internal_XT032BearingRetainer.htm
These plates won't fix or repair a loose bearing race, but they will provide additional support to preferably preclude bearing movement that could result in a bearing race becoming loose.
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That's it for now - will continue this thread with what I've learned while installing my one piece bearing retainer plate.
Gordo