Datsun 5spd & Rivergate

[64rocksprite]

I started my rivergate conversion last weekend so I can get the engine/trans back in the car and continue assembly.
Today I was pulling the clutch fork and bearing holder..I noted some side-to-side movement on the input shaft. If I had to guess..I'd say 1/16-1/8" of total movement. I can't feel any end-to-end. Is some play normal or am I in for a tear-down?

Second - the old rear seal (and shroud); can I pull this with a gear puller with legs on the shroud or will it simply bend and leave me with a mess?

 

[nomad]

Play is normal. When installed the crankshaft pilot bearing supports the front.

I removed the rear seal with just a big screw driver between the lip of the seal and the trans housing. Alternate from side to side and just twist. Worked for me anyway.

Kurt.

 

[Gerard]

A new bearing will have almost no side play. A 1/16" is OK, but I/8" is too much. That would indicate some excessive input shaft bearing wear and would merit some further investigation. I've experienced bearings in these transmissions (on a few occasions) to have their bearing cages completely disintegrate, so I would no less than investigate the possibility of that, especially if the movement is more to one side the the other.

While it's true that the pilot bush will hold it in place, it won't change the fact that the bearing might be too loose and will probably cause earlier failure of the pilot bearing.

 

[64rocksprite]

Thanks guys. Since I have it this far apart..I might as well pull the front cover and see what (if anything) I can see.
Gerard - It isn't in any particular direction..and when I did it again last night, it's more like a 1/16", but I'm going to have a look see anyway.

Now to get this stinky pilot bushing out..I think I'll try to drill it out to reduce the wall thickness and then chisel/score and then pry. Its the thicker version bush (of course) :frown:

 

[nomad]

If its the bronze bushing pilot bearing I've found the easiest way to remove them is by running a tap into them, then a short bolt and pry them out. Some have used the grease and a drift method but I never had any luck with that. It amounts to filling the hole with grease then driving a suitable sized drift or old input shaft in with a hammer which is supposed to force the old bearing out.


Kurt.

 

[64rocksprite]

Thanks Kurt - I didn't have a tap large enough, so I scored both sides with mini hacksaw, then was able to break the halves out with a punch.
Appreciate the advice.