Cam drive bearing replacement tips | FerrariChat

Cam drive bearing replacement tips

Discussion in '308/328' started by Doug, Nov 21, 2009.

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  1. Doug

    Doug Formula 3

    Nov 13, 2003
    1,473
    Louisville KY
    Full Name:
    Doug
    #1 Doug, Nov 21, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    After replacing my belts and tension bearings a few week ago, I had a noise upon start up. I diagnosed it as a forward cam drive bearing on its way out. So I ordered up the pair. I tried to home made bearing puller as mentioned on this site, but after breaking numerous bolts that were ground down to grab the bearing, I went ahead and ordered the Draper small bearing puller from the UK. I had the bearing off in less than 1 minute after I got the hang of adjusting it correctly.
    Here is a simple tutorial on the steps http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103998&highlight=cam+bearing
    IF YOU ARE GOING TO PULL THE BEARINGS, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THE BALM TOOL SOCKET FOR THE NUTS AND THE SMALL BEARING PULLER.
    These 2 tools will set you back @$200, but it will save you hours/days spent running to the hardware store, grinding, renting steering wheel pullers to fabricate a tool etc....
    I also do not think it is possible to remove the nuts without the balm tool. I needed to use an impact socket to bust them loose.
    Once everything was off and cleaned up, the new bearings were very tight to install. I didn't like the idea of banging away at them with a socket and mallet. By using the original bearings as thick washers, the large washer from the balancer and one of the original nuts from the cam drive, I was able to slowly push the new bearing into place with my new Balm socket and a socket wrench. Might as well make use of the $85 socket. Once the bearing was in place, remove the nut and then use your new bearing puller to pull the 2 old bearings off one at a time. Might as well make good use of your new $100 bearing puller. Takes about 30 seconds each and by now you are an expert at using them. I also recommend making a mark with white out on the puller arms at the flat area of the ball socket. This way after you insert it and spin it 90 deg to catch the bearing lip, you will know it is still at a 90 deg angle once you start pulling the bearing. They are not a snug fit and can easily spin once inserted.
    Some pics for reference on the old bearings being used as washers
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    blox79 likes this.
  2. Doug

    Doug Formula 3

    Nov 13, 2003
    1,473
    Louisville KY
    Full Name:
    Doug
  3. smg2

    smg2 F1 World Champ
    Sponsor

    Apr 1, 2004
    16,331
    Dumpster Fire #31
    Full Name:
    SMG
    and the real FUN one is the one behind in the block!
     
  4. ramosel

    ramosel Formula 3

    Sep 11, 2004
    1,237
    Meadow Vista, CA
    Full Name:
    R Moseley
    You have no idea how timely and helpful this is!! I'm in the process of getting the Draper tool already. Just curious, does the existing bearing have enough gap between the balls to insert the puller tip or do you have to remove a bearing retainer?

    Rick
     
  5. Doug

    Doug Formula 3

    Nov 13, 2003
    1,473
    Louisville KY
    Full Name:
    Doug
    Just drill out the retainer. It breaks up quite easily.
     
  6. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

    Feb 15, 2001
    4,367
    NY
    Can you please tell us what is the nut size and the Baum tool number for the drive nut. Also is it the same size that is used on the transmission output shaft . Thanks
     
  7. Doug

    Doug Formula 3

    Nov 13, 2003
    1,473
    Louisville KY
    Full Name:
    Doug
  8. samba-lee

    samba-lee Formula Junior

    Aug 28, 2006
    677
    Manchester, UK
    Full Name:
    Lee Griffiths
    Happy memories of the job in the balmy heat of last summer :) satisfying when you've done it and everything works out. I did mine mainly because the seals were leaking - now I have a nice dry end cover and new outer bearings and a bunch of other stuff whilst I was in there :)

    Lee

    '77 GT4
     

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