250SX bearing removal

[Sawfly]

i'm having a difficult time removing the needle bearing(pinion bearing) in the final drive of my 250SX. has anyone done this and what's a good way to do it? the manual says heat the gearcase to 176F and hit the case with a plastic hammer, although it skimps on the details.

any and all help is appreciated, thanks.

[Flyingw]

I remove the needle bearing with a blind hole bearing puller. You can do it at ambient temp but it comes out easier when you heat the case.

likewise for installing the needle bearing, heat the case to about 200deg and freeze the the needle bearing. When ready, put the needle bearing on the end of the pinion shaft and use it to install the needle bearing. Lay the case down in the oven and reheat. Place the large pinion bearing in the oven with the case. If you have a deep freeze, place the pinion shaft in the deep freeze or freezer for at least an hour. You might want to hold off reheating the case and bearing for a little while. Once the pinion shaft is froze and the bearing is heated, install the the bearing on the pinion shaft. Now, place the pinion shaft with the bearing on it in the freezer and let it freeze. When ready, heat the case to 200deg. Install the pinion shaft in to the case. Little or no pounding is required. Heating cases and freezing bearings also works for the ring gear bearings. This tecnique works for most bearings. Just be sure to let things cool otherwise the bearings may fall out. Good luck.

[Flyingw]

Ive rebuilt more than a few of these so if you need help, feel free to call me. 405.420.1114. I'm Jim

[Sawfly]

i'll try to get ahold of a blind hole puller, looks like it's exactly what i need. i didn't know they made these kinds but i should've known.
my only issues when starting was holding the pinion gear still(fixed with a wooden stake "yarr vampire") and the locknut holding it in(square tubing and a wrench) so i think i've got it all figured out so far.
oh, and we made a pinion gear puller out of more square tubing and a bolt

now i just need to make a robot that does it all for me...