pilot bearing removal and install - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

JCunningham · 05-23-2015, 05:32 AM

Is it really ok to use a slide hammer (Auto Zone blind hole puller)on the crank when the crank will be slamming on the soft thrust bearing that has very little clearance tolerance. what are people using to remove and install. I was thinking a Snap on A78 puller might work.

pancherj · 05-23-2015, 07:37 AM

I wouldn't! I used grease packed into the hole and a punch wrapped in electrical tape. Once you get the void filled with grease, one tap of the hammer on the punch forces it right out. Lot's of Youtube videos show how this is done.

Stingr69 · 05-23-2015, 09:43 AM

If it is a solid bronze bushing you can use grease, a hammer and a wooden dowel. If it is a roller bearing you will need another method.

pancherj · 05-23-2015, 10:32 AM

Mine was a roller bearing. Popped right out. The key was being patient and working the grease in. That took the longest. I have heard of guys stuffing in bread, then wetting it and then using the punch. That might actually be easier than the grease.

JCunningham · 05-26-2015, 06:23 PM

i forgot to update this. using grease can dislodge the freeze plug in the crank causing a oil leak.

h018871 · 05-27-2015, 08:49 AM

i used a blind hole bearing puller and a slid hammer from harbor freight. mine was in very tight, i broke the 2 finger puller from auto zone

JCunningham · 05-29-2015, 03:45 AM

i rented the autozone blind hole puller and bearing driver. worked great. no effort really at all

05-23-2015, 05:32 AM	#1
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,069	pilot bearing removal and install Is it really ok to use a slide hammer (Auto Zone blind hole puller)on the crank when the crank will be slamming on the soft thrust bearing that has very little clearance tolerance. what are people using to remove and install. I was thinking a Snap on A78 puller might work. __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

05-26-2015, 06:23 PM	#5
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,069	i forgot to update this. using grease can dislodge the freeze plug in the crank causing a oil leak. __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

05-27-2015, 08:49 AM	#6
h018871 Geoff Drives: 2022 SS 1LE Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Posts: 1,768	i used a blind hole bearing puller and a slid hammer from harbor freight. mine was in very tight, i broke the 2 finger puller from auto zone __________________ Having a Blast https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...php?p=10741733

05-29-2015, 03:45 AM	#7
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,069	i rented the autozone blind hole puller and bearing driver. worked great. no effort really at all __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

05-23-2015, 07:37 AM	#2
pancherj Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Central PA Posts: 438	I wouldn't! I used grease packed into the hole and a punch wrapped in electrical tape. Once you get the void filled with grease, one tap of the hammer on the punch forces it right out. Lot's of Youtube videos show how this is done.

05-23-2015, 09:43 AM	#3
Stingr69 '69 Owned Since '79 Drives: '69 Z/28 LeMans Blue w/White Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: LR AR Posts: 1,848 View My Garage	If it is a solid bronze bushing you can use grease, a hammer and a wooden dowel. If it is a roller bearing you will need another method.

05-23-2015, 10:32 AM	#4
pancherj Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Central PA Posts: 438	Mine was a roller bearing. Popped right out. The key was being patient and working the grease in. That took the longest. I have heard of guys stuffing in bread, then wetting it and then using the punch. That might actually be easier than the grease.