Hitchcocks Forum

Hi folks, and apologies if this has already been aired...

My latest project, 'Rusty', is a 350 Superstar which has been much abandoned over the last few years by PO. One of the many problems is a knackered timing side main bearing. I've just split the 'cases to check.

Now I know how to remove the outer race from the timing side crankcase using the Inferior Third's oven, but I haven't a clue how to remove the inner race from the crank.

All suggestions welcome!

Thanks, Stephen

You need one of these: ebay 141580361125 possibly one with a finer taper on it but there are loads out there so take your pick, or buy a cheap one and grind it down. It will probably knacker the bearing but I'm guessing you'll be replacing it anyway! There is a more sophisticated tool for the job (I bought one years ago,) but it's much more expensive for the use you'll get.

REgards, Mark

Or warm up the race with a torch and tap in some hardwood wedges.

Thanks for the quick response, Mark & Pete !

I've ordered a tie rod splitter so hopefully that will do the job, especially with the help of a blowtorch!

Any special technique for installing the new one?

Stephen

Not really. Heat the cases up in the oven, stick bearing in the freezer, so with a shrunken bearing and a heat-expanded bearing housing it should drop straight in. As you heated the case to drop the old bearing out the interference fit ought still to be good. You can also heat up the new inner race (suggest oven or hot air gun if possible, rather than blow torch) so it expands to fit the cold crankshaft more easily, remembering to get any shims or spacers in position first. A.

This bearing is on the timing side crankshaft journal so won't benefit from the usual heat/cold cycle. Only fitting tip is to grease the shaft and use a tube spanner or similar to (gently!) tap the new bearing home on the inner race. Make sure it starts straight! Good luck,

REgards, Mark

Quick update to the 'removal of inner race from t/s crankshaft' saga. Got the ball-joint splitter which moved it slightly then stopped. Ended up having to split the thing with a dremel slitting wheel!

Off to H's tomorrow to buy new stuff!

Thanks for all suggestions

Stephen

Sometimes things do jam, that's all part of the fun! When a bearing stops moving like this the trick is to use 2 big tyre levers opposed to one another. If the gap becomes too big for purchase, just pack it with some wood or preferably, steel strip. Good luck with the rest of it!

REgards, Mark

Or you could use a proper bearing puller

That assumes there is anything to pull on.