Alpha 1 top cap bearing race removal

[rrumba]

Got a 3.0l alpha 1 and i am trying to replace the race in the upper cap. i have tried searcing but could not find much info about it how to remove the bearing cup. The search always turns up every other bearing.

The reason for the replcement is due to water getting in the drive and once drained and cleaned out, the cap was left off with the drive shaft sitting up in it and forgotten about while working on the rest of the drive and parts to come in over the winter. So, needless to say forgetting that has caused rust and pitting, rather badly to each. So i have the new bearing and race but need to get the old race out now.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha 1 top cap bearing race removal

Slide hammer with a 2 jaw puller on the end... You are also going to need to check the shimming of that bearing. Read the manual... It will also mean pulling the seals out of the bottom of the box to check the pre-load...So new seals are needed....

Chris.......

 

[rrumba]

Re: Alpha 1 top cap bearing race removal

now that i would not have thought of. Will have to give it a try. Already got the seal kit as that was the oringal issue with the water intrusion. trying to find the manual to read up on it now to see how to set the pre-load and any other little quirks. all this just because i forgot about those two pieces i had sitting on the side after cleaning out the rest of the drive. :facepalm:

 

[rrumba]

Re: Alpha 1 top cap bearing race removal

that did the trick and got it out. amazing when you find the right manual and they show you what to do as well.

I do have another question. as far as shimming it goes, is it necessary to use the shim tools? is it possible to use the original cup that came out that it was shimmed for and use a mic to compare the two and figure out the diff to get the right shim instead?

just a thought.

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha 1 top cap bearing race removal

The only tools needed to check the pre-load is a torque indicator and an old drive shaft with an adaptor welded to it; and no, you can't just measure the bearing race.

 

[rrumba]

Re: Alpha 1 top cap bearing race removal

achris,
thanks much for the replies.

so would you just follow the same procedures in the manual then using the an old upper drive shaft without the bearing on it, and weld and adapter of some kind to use the torque wrench on, is that correct?

i have an old drive shaft with the gear and bearing on it pressed on that i can use to do this so not a problem as long as i understand you correctly.

again, thanks for your help

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha 1 top cap bearing race removal

Lower drive shaft, to engage in the splines of the upper that you are checking the pre-load on... Exactly like the picture in the manual....

 

[mercs4mark]

Re: Alpha 1 top cap bearing race removal

chris i have a question on this subject......since he is only replacing the top cap bearing what rolling torque value is used? he has one new bearing and one old bearing on the driven gear.

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha 1 top cap bearing race removal

chris i have a question on this subject......since he is only replacing the top cap bearing what rolling torque value is used? he has one new bearing and one old bearing on the driven gear.

Now, that IS a good question....

Used bearings : 2.5 to 4
New bearings : 6 to 10....

I'd set at 5... ...

Chris.......

 

[rrumba]

Re: Alpha 1 top cap bearing race removal

thanks to both of you. i am still reading up on how to do it so i can make sure i have everything needed and get it right.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Alpha 1 top cap bearing race removal

On automotive differentials, the ford 8.8 to be exact, in 2003 the axle shafts were not hardened properly, so failure resulted almost always. It also ate the side bearings on the carrier.

When I redid them, I got an identical bearing, same manufacture & same part # and upon checking preload and backlash, it was always spot on. These units are still on the road today.

Is there a reason why in this marine application, it would be so sensitive that you would have to set the preload all over again? If you were just a tad off, would it really eat up the gears? I mean a upper unit is the same principle as an automotive differential......

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha 1 top cap bearing race removal

On automotive differentials, the ford 8.8 to be exact, in 2003 the axle shafts were not hardened properly, so failure resulted almost always. It also ate the side bearings on the carrier.

When I redid them, I got an identical bearing, same manufacture & same part # and upon checking preload and backlash, it was always spot on. These units are still on the road today.

Is there a reason why in this marine application, it would be so sensitive that you would have to set the preload all over again? If you were just a tad off, would it really eat up the gears? I mean a upper unit is the same principle as an automotive differential......

You have a very good and valid point. Bearings are manufactured to a tolerance better than 1/10th of a thou... So yes, the shims SHOULD remain the same. As I have the tools anyway, I always check it....

Chris......