Pilot Bearing - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

McRoth · #1 10-12-2003, 09:48 PM

Well, I got the old clutch out & found that my release bearing was shot, actually worse than shot! It disintegrated when I pulled it out & half the balls are missing it looks like! Of course the one that came in the clutch kit I got was the wrong one, I'm checking with Phil now to get the right one.
Well, my question is where is the pilot bearing? I think I found it in the center of the fly wheel, but it is covered by what seems to be a pressed in washer. I tried prying a little at it, but didn't want to use too much force for fear of bending it. Is this the right place? If so, how do I get it out? It seems OK, but since I'm in there anyhow I want to replace everything that should be replaced.

Thanks!

kerry · #2 10-12-2003, 09:56 PM

Yes, that's the pilot bearing. It doesn't see a lot of wear because there is only a differential between the pilot shaft and the flywheel when the clutch is in.
Do a search before you remove it. There was a recent thread about someone who was having a very difficult time getting a pilot bearing that fit. Since yours is a Euro model, you may face the same problem.

TomJ · #3 10-13-2003, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kerry edwards
Yes, that's the pilot bearing. It doesn't see a lot of wear because there is only a differential between the pilot shaft and the flywheel when the clutch is in.
Do a search before you remove it. There was a recent thread about someone who was having a very difficult time getting a pilot bearing that fit. Since yours is a Euro model, you may face the same problem.

I am that person having the "difficult" time.

Turns out that the '84's had a 34mm pilot hole, instead of the 35mm like most others and all the 240D's.

What you probably have in the end of the crank is what's left of the bearing.

Bearing "should" be a 35mmx15mmx11mm, any bearing house should have stock for around $8.

Measure the ID of the crank and make SURE that it's 35 and NOT 34, otherwise, you'll have to source a non-standard bearing from somewhere.

If you DO find that it is 34mm AND find a bearing to fit with no mods, I'd be VERY interested to hear about it and where I might obtain one.

McRoth · #4 10-13-2003, 09:56 AM

Thanks for the tips! I'll check that out.

I have one more question, this time about the slave cylinder. There are two cylinders listed for my car, one ate, the other doesn't have a name listed. Does it matter which one I use? I'd like to order it now instead of waiting till I get home to check it. There is a $20 or so price difference between them too.
my Chassis # is -219674

Thanks!

McRoth · #5 10-13-2003, 02:22 PM

Phil just got back to me on that one. One is OEM, the other not, but he says both are good.

Thanks

Mordecai · #6 10-13-2003, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by McRoth
. There is a $20 or so price difference between them too.
my Chassis # is -219674

I just replaced my slave cylinder for an identical model 240D. I noticed the part number on the 20 dollar cheaper one was identical to the more expensive cylinder. I ordered the cheaper one and it comes in and ATE box. ATE is the more expensive version. This was on mbz.org.

It looks exactly like the OEM part (same casting)

Your mileage may vary...

M.

Mordecai · #7 10-13-2003, 02:52 PM

BTW---

Bleeding the slave cylinder is a pain in the butt. I eventually got one of those suction bleeders and that worked well.

m>

McRoth · #8 10-13-2003, 02:59 PM

Thanks for the tips! That's interesting about the slave cylinder, probably somebody reconditioning the older ate ones.
That kinda sucks about bleeding the cylinder! I'll have to look for that suction bleeder when I'm at the parts store tomorrow.

Thanks Again!

Mordecai · #9 10-13-2003, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by McRoth
That's interesting about the slave cylinder, probably somebody reconditioning the older ate ones.

No, It was a new part.

M.

Rick Miley · #10 10-14-2003, 09:28 AM

You need pressure, not suction to correctly bleed the clutch system. It is done by forcing brake fluid into the bleed screw on the slave cylinder. The fluid then travels to the master cylinder and up to the brake fluid reservoir. You could use a pressure bleeder, or connect a hose from the clutch slave to one of the front brake calipers and use the brakes to provide pressure. If you do that, you must make sure the hose is very tight on the brake bleeder or it'll blow off.

BTW, a MityVac brake bleeding kit can be used to provide fluid under pressure, but it doesn't work very well at all. Leaks all over the place. Does this sound like the voice of experience?

TomJ · #11 10-14-2003, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rick Miley
You need pressure, not suction to correctly bleed the clutch system. It is done by forcing brake fluid into the bleed screw on the slave cylinder. The fluid then travels to the master cylinder and up to the brake fluid reservoir. You could use a pressure bleeder, or connect a hose from the clutch slave to one of the front brake calipers and use the brakes to provide pressure. If you do that, you must make sure the hose is very tight on the brake bleeder or it'll blow off.

BTW, a MityVac brake bleeding kit can be used to provide fluid under pressure, but it doesn't work very well at all. Leaks all over the place. Does this sound like the voice of experience?

OK, so that's probably why my clutch still doesn't work right. I used a mighty vac bleeder to do the clutch slave on a swap-in tranny (dry master and slave).

Guess I'll get five feet of small ID hose and do the brake thing since I have no other way of pressurizing the slave.

Stevo · #12 10-14-2003, 11:05 AM

McRoth

Rick is right... Not a big deal..but you must have a snug fit of the hose on the bleed fittings. I use as short a piece of clear hose as I can and pump the brakes like crazy, close both bleed fittings and your done.

McRoth · #13 10-14-2003, 11:08 AM

That sounds pretty easy, thanks! I'll just clamp the hose on either end to make sure it's ok.

Mordecai · #14 10-14-2003, 11:46 AM

I used suction on mine and it worked fine.

M.

Stevo · #15 10-14-2003, 12:49 PM

McROTH

"just clamp the hose " That might be a PIA. I found clear hose in the local hardware store that fit tight enough.

"Mordecai I used suction on mine and it worked fine"

I couldn't get the speedy bleeder to work on the clutch, maybe i didn't work hard enough at it. It sure is a good tool for the brakes and well worth the $.

Steve