Hi all,

I have an '88 Camaro - 305-TBI with a bad pinion bearing. I have the whole rear apart, but can't seem to drive the pinion gear out.

Any ideas?... should I warm up the housing? Bigger hammer?

Thanks!

Jack

 

it should pretty much fall out, maybe tap it just a bit on the splined end with a soft faced or brass hammer

 

Well, I thought it was supposed to.... I removed the locknut and washer and started wailing on it with a rubber mallet (4 pound)... nothing moves... maybe since the bearing is messed up, it has itself wedged in there? the pinion turns, just not very smoothly on the bad bearings....

I'm going to try and warm up the casting with a propane torch this evening, then try it......


Jack

 

use a puller to get the yoke off if you have to then a big brass hammer or put the nut back on the pinion til you can't turn it by hand and use a bfh to hit on the nut. Shouldn't really need any heat on it.

 

Yep, once the yoke is off, it will slide out fine.

Miles

 

...phew... it finally came out!

I lowered the rear axle so I could get more leverage to hit it. (removed anti-sway bar bolts, unbolted shocks) Then I could wail on it some with a hammer.

What had happened was that the bad front bearing had spun and scored the pinion gear shaft, making it hard to drive out. The rear bearing looks in good shape, so I think I am just going to replace the front bearing and leave it for now.

Thanks for the help!

Jack

 

Dude not sure if you have put your rear back together, but rule of thumb... If you got it apart allready...do it all now. That way it is doen, and you are all set.