looking for extra pair of hands in NoVa/DC

[dtharp113]

I've got a slot booked for Sat, 2/27 DIY clinic at J&F Motors in Arlington. Am hoping to swap out my center support bearing and would really really appreciate an extra pair of hands.

Contact me at dtharp113 at gmail.com.

Thanks

[Meintii]

Is all the snow gone already?!

[BillWilliams]

Dennis. I would love to come down and help. I have a pending CB replacement on my yellow car too.

But I have two 2002 yahoos coming to my house that day to work on some VatV things.

[M3M3]

I am unfortunately busy also, but have a pre-ground off wrench to fit the cb nut if you need to borrow it. J&F probably has one, but should check.

[dtharp113]

Hey Bill: How difficult is the replacement? I'm sure having a lift makes things easier but, should I decide to wait until I can get up to your place (we could do the two cars on the same day?), is this something that can be accomplished up on jackstands?

How long would this take and what are the potential pitfalls ?

[BillWilliams]

Dennis, lifts make everything easier but we do learn to work on our backs don't we.

But if I had to choose between a lift and air tools, I would have to think about that; but if you can have both - priceless.

If I recall:

Drop the exhaust at the coupling of the down pipe and resonator. let it hang. (if this has not been off recently, you may want to have new copper nuts with you)

Remove those four nuts at the driveshaft/differential union, a partner makes this easier. Also, flex-head gear wrenches seem to be made just for these nuts. Get a hold of these before you do this. You can remove these nuts with a standard spanner but the flex head gear wrench just makes it faster.

Remove the guibo nuts/bolts (you need to decide if you want to use new ones going back on)

Mark where your Center Bearing is located on the flange. This will help when you pre-load the new center bearing on install.

Mark both sections of the driveshaft so you can put back it together the way it came off so it is still balanced

Remove the two nuts on the CB

Secure the driveshaft like Marshall does in his photo above. So you may need to fabricate that in advance.

Wrestle the center bearing nut loose. May want to take a cheater pipe for leverage.

Install the CB and dust cover in the proper orientation (look or take photos of how the old one was oriented)

I think you grease the end of the driveshaft where it connects into the transmission.

Install is reverse of removal. However, when you tighten the exhaust have someone at the rear of the car holding the exhaust so it does not hit and rattle on the rear sub-frame.

If you can get a helper, do it on the lift. If not, party time at the midget shed.

[Guest]

I've never done this job, but would be pleased to help you out on Sat. if you can't find an experienced helper. email me at jdhew at yahoo dot com by Thursday evening either way.

-John

[jgerock]

Dennis. I would love to come down and help. I have a pending CB replacement on my yellow car too.

But I have two 2002 yahoos coming to my house that day to work on some VatV things.

I'd like to help you out Dennis -but I'm one of the yahoos.

[BillWilliams]

and a good yahoo you are!

[jgerock]

and a good yahoo you are!

Thanks Bill - will fresh coffee be served?

[Swiftus]

I mean, I can help. I just don't know how much help I would be . . . If you know what you're doing and just need somebody to hold stuff, I can be there.

Jay

And Jim, you are a very good yahoo...

[BillWilliams]

Chief yahoo, there will be coffee and the console queen is making poppy seed bread for the yahoo meeting

[bugtustlebub]

The "Console Queen" has mad skillz.

Regards,

Randy Bryant

Elkton, VA

[ArdenK]

Hi Dennis,

I could help out but I've never changed a CB before.

Let me know when and where,

[jgerock]

Hi Dennis,

I could help out but I've never changed a CB before.

Let me know when and where,

Arden -

The NCC has a great DIY program that rotates between different shops. J&F Motors in Arlington is where I got my cylinder head and upper timing cover machined (and valvetrain inspected).

Take 395 to the Shirlington exit. Turn left onto Four Mile Run Drive. Go down about 1.5 miles and they are on the left (4064 S. Four Mile Run Drive).