1960 Johnson 40 HP, pinion gear needle bearing, rollers fell out

[LymanJohnson]

I am working on the lower unit of a 1960 Johnson 40 HP. After taking the prop shaft and all gears, etc., I pulled the pinion gear out per the service manual. When I moved the lower housing, the roller pins/needles all fell out. See included picture. It was surprising to me that the needles were not self contained (the other bearing on the propeller shaft is), also there is no mention at all about this bearing in the service manual, otherwise I would have been prepared to keep it intact.

Does this make sense? Is the pinion gear shaft the only thing holding the bearing needles in tact?

Does anyone have any tips on how to repack the bearing? When I try, they continuously fall out.

Thanks for your help.

 

[racerone]

They all fall out.------And there is nothing wrong with the design.....Far more rugged than some of the new motors built today too !!---Put a thin smear of say grease or vaseline in there and put the rollers back in.

 

[HighTrim]

If you don't have an assembly grease like Lubriplate 105, use your wifes Vaseline. Just don't let her catch you dipping the needles in it!