Flywheel removal tips

I got the "shaved down bolts" (due to PO installing a clutch disk backwards) out of the flywheel and am taking it to a shop to be resurfaced. I am looking for tips on getting the flywheel off! I tugged it and it didn't seem to budge. I wanted to get input on any tips before I hit the engine side with a hammer to push it off. Don't know if that's a good idea or not. Please advise!!

Thanks,
Milan

 

On sb chevy motors Ive always sprayed it with brake fuild or a good pen oil . I then put a little pressure on it with a pry bar and Lightly tap on it with a hammer. After it intally breaks loose I then wiggle it the rest of the way off by hand. Good luck

 

Damn good point .LOL I have a 6 by 6 block of wood I keep in the line of fire to keep me from doing that , Plus it has saved more then one ring gear. lol

 

Be warned also that dauntless flywheel is no lightweight so hang on tight!


BUBBA

 

OK, Got the flywheel off...you're right it IS heavy!! I managed not to crush anything too important (what's a pinky for anyway) and am wondering now what? I am taking this to get resurfaced unless you guys think it doesn't need it (see picture) and am now wondering what to do about the pilot bearing? It is still in the crankshaft and I don't know if 1. I need to remove/replace it and 2. how to do that without advanced tools?

Thanks again for all your help, I literally couldn't do it without this site!

-Milan

 

I'd have the flywheel resurfaced, since you have it out. Too cheap (~$25) not to, at this point - since you have it apart.

As for the pilot bearing... People are going to tell you to pack the hole with all sorts of things (grease, wet toilet paper, etc) and then you use a blunt object (extension, blunt end of a chisel, etc) to drive into the bearing. The result *should* be the hydraulic action causing the bearing to pop out. Be warned - I'VE NEVER HAD THIS WORK FOR ME. Either A. I'm an idiot, or B. Other people are better mechanics than I... (or quite possibly both)

There are special tools for the job that you can probably rent from your FLAPS (I know Auto Zone does, anyway).

 

I have used the hydraulic method with limited results. I personally prefer the chisel /break it all to pieces method. I'm replacing it anyway. and as for the flywheel, get it redone. Southern auto parts does a good job around here.

 

I too vote for resurfacing, although that cost me $60 at the local machine shop. I didn't shop around for a cheaper price either, tho.

If you're certain that you even need to remove the pilot bushing....the hydraulic method has worked for me every time and it's very neat to watch it happen. Take a grease gun and fill in the space with grease. Then find a bolt or spare input shaft (something wide enough to just barely fit the p.b.'s inside diameter) and whack it in towards the crank with a BFH. Don't be afraid to give it a real good whack! The hydraulic action will force the grease to push/pop the p.b. out. Worse part of the whole thing is ya have a greasy mess to clean up afterwords. :razz:

 

No luck with the hyd. method here either. If I can i take a hacksaw blade and cut in 2 and give it a lite tap which most of time which makes it pretty easy to remove.

 

Re: pilot bearing removal. I located an inexpensive tool that pulls them out quickly & easily, and doubles as the perfect tool to remove the little bushing out of the two piece output shaft in the D18 transfer case.

I dont know how much they rent for, but this is a pretty handy little puller:
http://www.4wd.com/shop/productdetail.asp?model=tj&productsku=119

 

I've had success with threading a tightly fitting bolt into the pilot bushing after it's been packed with grease FWIW...

 

The threading method works good, especially if you have aslide hammer to attach to the bolt to pull it out with. The hydraulic method is a tried and true old world machinist trick. I have done this 100's of times at work over the years. Most people that don't have the ability to make or find a suitable plug do not have good luck, but at work it is a 2-3 minute job to make a suitable plug. You will need a bolt with a 19/32" (.590-.592) shank on it.

 

I got it out with the use of a rented puller from Autozone. It snapped right out. I'm kind of bummed I didn't get to try the grease method, it'd be fun to watch!! Maybe next time! The machine shop is resurfacing the flywheel and it should all go back together tomorrow PM. Thanks again for all the fantastic help.

-Milan

 

I use the grease and a 3/8" drive extention and it works every time. Just give it a good whack!