Flywheel pilot bushing

[AZJeepNut]

I need some basic info about removing and replacing a flywheel pilot bushing. First, what's the recommended (or easiest) way to remove the bushing? Second, any tips for pressing in the new bushing - - - install from clutch side or crankshaft side? - - - install flush to surface?� Have extra bushings on hand to recover from inevitable OOPS!

[1955CJ-5]

Will you be having the flywheel surfaced? If you are this far along and will be replacing the clutch plate then I would get the flywheel surfaced, and the fellow who does the surfacing can probably take care of the pilot bushing....

But, you probably can take the flywheel off and push the old bushing out with a socket that is just a bit smaller in diameter than the bushing..a little heat on the flywheel would help.

Then put the new bushing in the freezer for a while to shrink it a little, warm the flywheel and push/tap the bushing in with a socket and brass hammer. If you buff the bore where the bushing goes with scotchbrite it may slide in more easily...

[Stich]

Will you be having the flywheel surfaced? If you are this far along and will be replacing the clutch plate then I would get the flywheel surfaced, and the fellow who does the surfacing can probably take care of the pilot bushing....

But, you probably can take the flywheel off and push the old bushing out with a socket that is just a bit smaller in diameter than the bushing..a little heat on the flywheel would help.

Then put the new bushing in the freezer for a while to shrink it a little, warm the flywheel and push/tap the bushing in with a socket and brass hammer. If you buff the bore where the bushing goes with scotchbrite it may slide in more easily...

I just went through this myself. Pack bread into the hole and as stated, use a socket and tap it in until the bushing starts to push out. Keep filling hole with more bread, repeat. just don't eat the bread after.   

[ZekeD]

I gotta know......What does the bread do?  For that matter would cream cheese work as well?


 

Zeke

[AZJeepNut]

Thanks guys, this is all helpful info! The flywheel has been off for some time. The history is that I found a mechanic who was willing to work on his own time to tear down the engine, inspect,� and recommend what additional work needed to be done. (Just what a newbie like me needs.) That resulted in a rebuild that included having the flywheel surfaced. Unfortunately, the bushing was not removed while in the shop so I'll be doing it myself.

I've heard of the "hydraulic" method of removing the bushing, although using grease. I assume that the surface of the flywheel must be resting on a hard surface that is flush with the bottom of the hole into which the bushing has been installed (probably works best while the flywheel is still on the crankshaft).� Tapping grease (or bread) into the opening fills all the available space under the bushing and flywheel and would tend to lift the flywheel and bushing with the hydraulic pressure created in the process. Assuming that the pressed in bushing represents a "weak" point, it would loosen under the pressure well before the point where the pressure would just lift the flywheel. That's the theory, at least as I understand it. And it works. At any rate, it's worth giving it a try if only because it's a really cool trick. Actually, I don't know if this has been done after the flywheel has been removed . . . maybe that's not possible unless you have a spare crankshaft or crankshaft flange you can bolt to the flywheel.

[1955CJ-5]

Well there you go...you know more about it than we do!

Does the fellow who did your engine have a press?

[AZJeepNut]

Yeah, I was a geek long before I decided to take up Jeep restoration as a retirement project. Gotta keep busy somehow, right?

A press would be good. How about just setting a small drift anywhere along the top edge and giving it a good whack? That would probably shatter the already munged bushing and then all that would be left to do is sweep up the mess. That is, unless the bushing isn't the sintered type and made of solid bronze instead. So many choices ;-)

[1955CJ-5]

This may not be right but it's what I would try..

If you have a large socket that is larger than the OD of the bushing I'd use that to support the flywheel from the back. Set it on a concrete floor, and put the smaller socket against the bushing and push the bushing through the flywheel into the larger socket...it might take a few firm whacks...

[AZJeepNut]

Sockets and concrete . . . sounds like it's worth a shot.

[AZJeepNut]

OK, job done. The socket worked well for removal and installation. I checked the bushing for fit on the tranny shaft first and it slipped on easily but without a lot of slop. After pressing it into the flywheel I checked again and the fit was snug but the flywheel turned smoothly around the shaft with no apparent slop. Thanks all! By the way, the old bushing, after removing it, fit on the tranny shaft like a hula hoop on a skinny dude. Definitely past its prime.

[ZekeD]

So you are saying that you didn't try cream cheese, but it would work???   

Sorry,

Zeke

[AZJeepNut]

Well, I almost tried the cream cheese, but events, not to mention hunger, overtook me. I first intended to try bread, but  all I had was a day old bagel. Naturally, that reminded me of the cream cheese method and I reasoned that combining the cream cheese and bagel might work even better. Unfortunately, once combined, the cream cheese and bagel were so appetizing that I ate the whole thing, leaving me with only the socket and concrete method to try. Happily, that worked, but if ever I need to remove a flywheel bearing again I'll make sure I only attempt it on a full stomach and with a large supply of bread and/or cream cheese available.

[1955CJ-5]

So,

Rule #2. Never go to the grocery store when hungry.

Rule #3. Never work on your jeep when hungry...

[AZJeepNut]

Yup, good rules for life and Jeep restoration.