Viscous fan shaft bearing removal

[cobalt6700]

Leading on from a thread on another forum where I asked if anyone had taken one of these bearings out. The general answer being no, I thought I would have a go my self - being the inquisitive person I am.

First off, a warning. Do not try and press the shaft out of the bearing! Photo No.4 shows why....

So to get the bearing out, first you have to press the shaft through the flange on the front of the bracket, pushing in the red arrow direction, and supporting from the green:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/cobalt6700/jeep/DSCF3679.jpg

Next bit is a pain in the arse, as you have to find a way for holding the bracket on its back side, and its not flat, at all. Once you've done that push the shaft and bearing out together, in the direction of the red arrow.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/cobalt6700/jeep/DSCF3683.jpg

You should then end up with this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/cobalt6700/jeep/DSCF3687.jpg

Now looking at this you can see its a bit of a specialist bearing. I'm calling the front of the bearing the end at which the outside black groove is closest too. I wanted to see what it did and went to press the shaft out of the bearing.

This was followed by a loud bang and bits of flying bearing casing and ball bearings.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/cobalt6700/jeep/DSCF3689.jpg

The ball bearings sit in a groove cut into the shaft, and a groove cut into the bearing casing at the 'back' of the bearing. There is also a roller bearing at the front of the bearing.

I now know the correct way of dismantling the bearing, but TBH its pretty pointless doing so. I'm guessing the shaft and the bearing come as one from Chrysler/Jeep, but have yet to find out.

Heres the way of taking it apart, for those that are interested:

Firstly the seal comes off the back of the bearing:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/cobalt6700/jeep/DSCF3691.jpg

Then you lever out the plastic cage:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/cobalt6700/jeep/DSCF3693.jpg

And you can then move the balls to one side of the bearing, tilt it slightly, and take them out.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/cobalt6700/jeep/DSCF3695.jpg

There is meant to be six balls... the rest didn't hit me :roll:

[Carves]

There is meant to be six balls... the rest didn't hit me :roll:

:smiley-laughing021:


Good little, "how the hell does this work ??", post .. :thumbsup:



I now know the correct way of dismantling the bearing, but TBH its pretty pointless doing so. I'm guessing the shaft and the bearing come as one from Chrysler/Jeep, but have yet to find out.


Shaft, bearing .... and bracket/housing aparrently .... after having a quick look at '97 parts manual ....