Need to replace the driveshaft center support bearing. I've heard of having to take the shaft to a machine shop to get the bearing pressed on/off. I'll be working this weekend...without access to a machine shop or local garage (holiday weekend).

Anyone know of a technique that will allow me to press off the old support bearing and install a new one without having to buy $10000's tools?

Cabbie

To pull the bearing off you can use a 2 or 3 jaw puller. You'll have to put something across the tube for the puller screw to rest on (I use the flat handle of an adjustable wrench). An impact gun makes turning the puller quicker, but you can do it with a rachet.

It is helpful to have a sleeve that rests against the bearing's inner race and around the driveshaft. Ideally one should use a press, but careful application of a hammer will work in a pinch (on the sleeve). I grease the inside of the bearing to help...though others may know of a good reason not to do this. It isn't an extremely tight fit.

Remember to mark the relationship of the two driveshaft halves before removal with whiteout or paint pen.

Remember to mark the relationship of the two driveshaft halves before removal with whiteout or paint pen

At some point in the early to mid '80's they started using index marks on the front and back shafts. The driveshaft may need a little cleaning to see them but Cabbie's car will have them. If the arrows are pointing at each other the driveshaft is correctly assembled.
These are not the best pics, so if it isn't obvious, the arrows are very close to the center support.




--
'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

Thanks for the reply....good info.
Cabbie

hello
mark everything you can to put back exactly the way it was.
this is important.
this is not a fun job, but doable. did one today and not my first.
good luck
mike

Grind through the old bearing to make a notch, then break it off with a chisel. Press the new one on with a length of piping and a hammer.