How the hell do you pull the crank and distributor gears off the crankshaft? The books all say to use a hydraulic ram. I have access to one of these, but I am not sure how to support the crank gear during the pressing operation. There is very little of the gear protruding past the bearing on which to catch a support plate. The gap between the bearing and the gear is only about 3mm, is a bit of 3mm steel sufficient to support the gear during pressing?

Does anyone who has actually doen this have any advice?

Hi

There is a special tool needed, Berg sold them, they were a screw type puller with a plate that sat in behind the gears. You may need to borrow one or pay a VW shop to remove them for you. They are much easier to fit, just heat them up with oxy and slip them on.

Avoid using a press.

Where are you?

Steve

Do you have access to a "bearing splitter"? This is a split collar with "knife edges" held together with 2 bolts. The knife edges will fit into the small gap between the bearing and gear. All you need is the hydraulic press with normal support plates to do the job.

Where are you? Good idea to update profile with location as someone may be close for help.

DH



[ Edited on 7/6/2006 by 1500S ]

Thanks guys. Why don't any of the books say you need a special tool! Just press off gears with a hydraulic ram my ass. Thanks. I may just get the engine shop to do it.

engine shop job as it is easy for them witht he right tools. Do it yourself? Oxy.....

Apprentice Fitter and Machinist from Sydney Trent B showing bearing splitter in use on a more than a little greasy crank! There was more oil on the outside of the engine than inside!

Standard plates can be used if the bearing is carefully split with a sharp cold chisel and removed from shaft. EXTREME CARE NOT TO NICK THE JOURNAL!!!!!!

DH





[ Edited on 8/6/2006 by 1500S ]