winter project

[Meir]

after checking myself 5 times, and making sure all is in place, i was ready to remove the old bearing.
started by removing the 2 tensioners.
the one that holds the IMS chain (seats horizontally next to bank 2):





second tensioner, from bank 1:






remove the center nut of the IMS cover, using a large screwdriver and 13 mm wrench:

[Meir]

removed 3 bolts from IMS cover:



twisted the cover clockwise, and used small pray bar to remove cover.
take your time and be gentle with it. it will come out.



once the cover is removed, remove the circle clip. put you finger in the center, to prevent it from falling inside the engine.



the bearing is ready to receive the removing tool.
i played with the center stud to check for play. non what so ever.

[Meir]

at this point, i wasn't sure if i was doing it right, but it worked, so i dont care.
the extraction tools comes with two studs.
i installed the short one on the bearing.



then the long one on top of it.



slide the removal tool with the washer and nut (hand tight).



as recommended by LN, i sprayed the surface between the washer and the tool with WD-40

[Meir]

for extracting the bearing, i wanted to have the best grip and torque i can get.
so i slide a 16mm wrench on the nut, and held the center bolt with a 13 mm socket.



holding the ratchet in my left hand and turning the socket clockwise, extracted the bearing with no effort at all. in fact, i was a littel bit sorpraised how easy it came out.



one of my fears, was to find out the IMS is not centered (based on other posts i read). i was happy to see it was perfectly centered, and i do not need to remove the third tensioner (a true PITA to remove).

[Meir]

here are some pics of the bearing on and off the tool.







removed the plastic seal. no grease, but also no play in the bearing.
in fact, it looks brand new after 77K.

[Meir]

O.K.
so now is the big moment.
after cleaning the bearing area, with some alcohol and lint free cloth, i went to the freezer and took the bearing out.
at this point some parts of my body started shaking and as i mentioned in other posts, i'm not talking about my hands :chicken:
i took the bearing (connected to the installation tool) and placed it as square as i could in the shaft.
i decided to start with a rubber hammer and move from there.
started with light taps, and the bearing went right in. in some point (after 10 taps more or less) it didn't move no more. i removed the installation tool and inspected the bearing. i noticed that most of the bearing is in. put the tool back on, taped it twice with a metal hammer, and that's it. it was all the way in.
removed the tool and installed the new clip.(again. put your finger in center of clip to prevent falling inside the engine).




once the clip was in, i rotated it 360 degrees to confirm it is fully seated.

i think the key to complete this step in the most easy and smooth way, is to install the bearing as soon as it gets out of the freezer.
i didn't rush myself during the bearing installation, but i defiantly didn't spent time (that is why i don't have pics of the installation).
bottom line, it was way easy then i expected.

[Meir]

need to go now.
more updates later