Installing Valve Train Needle Bearings.

[Crossrodes]

In another thread I think I mentioned that I was missing a needle bearing from my valve train. So I ordered a new bearing/sleeve which I now have.  

It seems I have two options for fixing this problem:

1. I can somehow remove a bearing from the new bearing sleeve and insert it into the existing sleeve.  The problem with this option is that the bearings in the new sleeve do not fall out like the old bearings and they seem to be in there pretty tight.  I don't want to screw them up by forcing them out.

2. I can replace the whole sleeve and bearings.  The problem with this option is that the existing bearing sleeve is in the rocker shaft very tight.  I thought there may be an O-ring or circlip holding the sleeve in the rocker shaft but I can't see anything in there.  It seems like it is a friction fit.  I tried removing the sleeve but it wouldn't come and I don't want to screw anything up by forcing it.  Is there an easy way to get this out or do I have to use a punch (and maybe some heat and WD40 to remove it?

[MrRiden]

Forget option one you'll be damaging the new bearing and not making a quality repair. The old bearings and their [cracked I'm sure] shell must be pressed out of the rocker and the new one pressed in on a proper press preferably. Heat helps but banging on them may just make a mess. Find a local machine shop or perhaps one of the tool mongers here has a press then you could do it by post. Someone will step up I'm sure!
rich

[Bob_Roller]

I replaced the needle bearings using sockets, and a vice.

Get a deep well socket that will fit into the opening and contact the needle bearing shell, then take another socket, with the open end toward the opposite needle bearing, place the whole assembly into a vice, and start tightening up the vise jaw.

I was able to press out the damaged bearing, and have the old  still usable bearing take it's place, then install a new bearing in the empty spot.

I cooled the needle bearing in the freezer, and heated the rocker arm with a heat gun, I don't know if it made the job easier or not, but it wasn't that difficult of a job.

Put a bit of grease, or light oil into the area where the bearing will go to help the installation.

The new bearings should have a concave look to the flange area of the bearing shell, that's why the individual needles aren't likely to be dislodged during the time the rocker arm shaft is removed.

After installing the bearings, make sure they are slightly recessed from the end of the arm, if they aren't, you might not get the rocker arm installed, or worse yet the thin sheet metal shell isn't designed to take any loading, and it will crack out.

[Crossrodes]

OK...Got it.  Now this leads to another question.  The bearings in both shells will fall out.  Does this mean that both of them are shot and should be replaced?

[Bob_Roller]

I think it was the original design of the old bearing, the flange on the ends of the shell are 90 degrees, allowing the needles to be removed, the newer design, with the concave flange holds the needles in place.

If you have enough bearings, personally, I'd replace both of them , most likely you won't have to this again, it's your call.

[Landlubber]

Yes, the bearings both have to be replaced, no shortcuts here mate.

the cages would not release the rollers if they were any good.