<VV> Progress report on the '65 rebuld (Argh!)

N. Joseph Potts pottsf@msn.com
Mon, 13 Sep 2004 08:17:41 -0400


I have pulled pinion bearings using a big hammer and a bearing plate. The
dimensions of the bearing plate are fairly critical. I got the plate I
needed from Harbor Freight. I found the right plates in YC-706 Two Sets
Bearing Separator Assembly, which is the label on the blow-molded case.
Their O3979-3AFA $19.95 looks ABOUT right. They don't seem to sell a set
anymore. The capacity of my large plates is 4".
     Or you can drive over here (Miami Beach) and I'll loan you mine.
     You SHOULD be able to get away with must bringing the shims over that
you find under the bearing and putting them under your new bearing.
Joe Potts
Miami, Florida USA
1966 Corsa coupe 140hp 4-speed with A/C

-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org]On Behalf Of Macdonald David
Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2004 9:18 PM
To: virtualvairs@corvair.org
Subject: <VV> Progress report on the '65 rebuld (Argh!)


I got the engine complete with the exception of the
right side carbs. I have them on the bench being
rebuilt.

So I turn my attention to the transaxle and replace
the side seals and then set to work on the input seal.
The retaining ring comes out easily but the darn seal
is stuck in there and I snap off the end of my seal
puller trying to get it out. I look for and find the
perfect replacement tool. That would be a discarded
j-hook from the gas tank strap. I clamp a pair of vice
grips on the end so I can whack it with a hammer and
proceed to do just that. After four whacks, the seal
and the retaining ring shoot out of the shaft.
Success! Well not quite because I snapped a piece of
the nose shaft off as well. ARGH! So much for getting
the drive train reinstalled this weekend and say
goodbye to attending the show at Clarks next weekend.
Needless to say Im little disappointed. I solve the
disappointment problem with beer and no, I had not had
any beer before I chose the special seal remover tool.


With the disappointment problem overcome I tear down
the differential so I can get the nose shaft out and
make a list of required parts. When I pull out the
pinion gear I find the rear bearing is completely
fried. Most of the rollers have been friction welded
to the inner race. The thing is a complete mess. Now
my little mishap with the nose has turned out to
actually have saved time because I would not have
found this problem until after I had put the entire
drivetrain in.

Anyone have any tips for replacing the pinion
bearings?

David
65 Canadian Corsa 140 Coupe
Emerging from 30+ years of hibernation.