Hi Guys, I am changing the clutch in my 97 1500 4X4. It has over 200K on her and still on the original clutch, anyway, the thing went bang and my son couldnt push the clutch in anymore. I ASSUMED the clutch give up. It was the throw out bearing that blew up. Clutch still has life left in her but I desided to go ahead and do all of it after all. I consider it insurance for another 200K!!!!

Here is my question/delima...The pilot bearing is long gone...no sign of any needle bearings, just part of the old raceway. I can not seem to drive it out, pry it out, or do much of anything with it. Does the large piece in front of the bearing race come out? I read earlier that some people pack grease in there and bang a steel rod into the hole and drive it out. I am not sure if they were removing the bearing out both bearing and the large piece infront of the bearing. Hope that makes sense?????? I added some pictures.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
Gary Herren
USAF retired

 

another pic... I was also wondering, if it was long gone and ran nice n quiet. Would anything bad happen if I ran it without the bearing? Doesnt seem like a good idea but just checking.

I can only add 1 picture? When I added the second picture in the 1st reply, it deleted the first picture in the original post????? I would like to add several pics but dont think it will let me.

 

Install a new bushing........

 

picture uploads are very limited. upload pics to a hosting site like photobucket or other and post the IMG code in your post.

like zman said, you need to get those old pieces out and replace it. i wouldn't reinstall into that mess.

split it with a chisel maybe?

 

just buy a puller for 15 bucks and pull it out..tap the new one in and be done with it

 

I went and talked to the Dodge dealer mechanic and a friend who works as a mechanic. Dealer said they have a special tool(expensive) that flairs out and then use a slide hammer to pull it. They said if you get a drill bit the same size as the hole in the crank I could drill it out(worst case). My friend said a small sharp chisel will cut it too.

I am starting on it this morning again, cross your fingers! lol

Thanks guys,
Gary