Removing cam bearings from a block

I've gotten to the point where I need to get the cam bearings out of the block I'm building but I'm scratching my head on how to do it.

Is there a specialized tool (that hopefully autozone has on lend) to pop these bearing rings out? How do I get the new ones back in?

 

I have a machine shop remove and install my cam bearings. It takes a special tool to do it and i cant justify buying one. If you find a tool and do it yourself or have it done make sure that the oil holes in the bearings line up.

RSN

 

Ok, can they do it with the bottom end installed? I have the pistons and crank in and those pistons were a major pain to get in.

One of my friends knows a place that will pull them out pretty cheaply so if it's a big issue I may just pay to have them do it.

 

Pay to have it done. Removing them takes a special driver. Installing them requires a special driver and can be touchy to install. The bearings can be damaged very easily. The machine shop may or may not install them with the crank installed as it's much easier without. Some engines the crank must be out to install the bearings so you have access to the bearing journals. Nickmil

 

You need a tool that uses a threaded rod and collars of the right diameter to pull them in. It's just not cost effective to buy the tool and do it yourself ... and it's not the sort of thing that Autozone would lend.

You can reuse the cam bearings if the block has not been hot tanked. Usually removal is easy becasue the hot tank will dissolve them away.

I'd guess they need access from underneath to position the bearings and collars. Ask, but I bet they'll tell you it has to be a bare block.

 

Well, we ended up taking it to a shop that's going to pop out the bearings, hot tank it and put in the new ones for $40. It seemed the easiest way to do it.

 

Lots of soap and water after the hot bath. The stuff is corrosive and must be washed off, oil gallies included. The water won,t hurt the bearings, just don't rub the faces with anything.