Wednesday, November 6, 2013
How to Prevent the Causes of Thrust Bearing Failure
The thrust bearing is part of a vehicle transmission system. When the thrust bearing fails or does not work properly, it can cause problems for the vehicle. Preventing the failure of a vehicle thrust bearing can minimize problems and ensure the vehicle runs smoothly for a longer period of time.
Instructions
- 1
Check the torque converter. According to GNT Type, when the torque converter has too much pressure on it, the converter will balloon and put pressure on the bearing. Checking and maintaining the torque converter will minimize the risk of too much pressure.
2Get the thrust bearing alignment checked. Another potential problem with the thrust bearing that causes failure is misalignment. Having a regular check of the thrust bearing alignment will minimize the risks of alignment problems and prevent thrust bearing failure.
3Lubricate the thrust bearing regularly. Inadequate lubrication results in wear and tear on the thrust bearing. Persistent inadequate lubrication can cause early failure of the bearing. By adding lubrication on a regular basis, the thrust bearing is protected from wear and tear.
4Look over the bearing and make sure the shells are installed. When the thrust bearing is changed in a vehicle, the bearing shell is also changed. If the shell is not present, it results in problems for the bearing and ultimately failure. Always check that the shells are installed when the bearing is changed.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
How to Remove a Thrust Bearing
A thrust bearing is an axle located inside an engine that rotates on its axis when force is applied on it. The bearing works to reduce friction by absorbing the large amount of thrust that is produced on the engine shaft that it supports. This ensures that the engine runs smoothly and quietly. Having a thrust bearing that works properly is important for the health of the engine. If it becomes necessary for you to replace a thrust bearing in your vehicle, it will require several hours of your time as a number of engine parts will need to be moved out of the way before you can access the bearing.
Instructions
- 1
Remove the intake manifold. Most manifolds will be held in place by 16 bolts and you will need to remove all of them. Put the manifold aside.
2Remove the radiator. Remove the bolts holding the radiator in place and pull it out. You may have to remove the fan first. Do not unhook the hose. Otherwise you will need to drain it first by placing a pan under it and opening the drain plug at the bottom of it.
3Remove the alternator. Unplug the battery then follow the positive battery cable to the alternator. Loosen the alternators tension bolt with a torque wrench, until the alternator can be turned. Remove the alternator fan then remove the tension bolt completely as well as the mounting bolt. Lift the alternator out.
4Remove the water pump. It will be visible and accessible after removing the parts mentioned in the previous steps and will be attached to the front of the engine block. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolt holding it in place and lift it out. Do not disconnect the hose.
5Remove the air condition compressor. Unplug the electrical connections. Remove the mounting bolts and lift the air condition compressor out.
6Remove the power steering pump. Remove the bolts holding the pump in place and pull it out. Leave the hose attached otherwise you will have to drain the power steering fluid from the reservoir.
7Remove the camshaft. Remove the bolts that hold it in place. There will usually be two or three. Loosen the valve rockers then remove the push rods and lifters by prying them off with a flat head screwdriver. Line up the push rods together with the corresponding lifter in the order they were in before you removed them. You will need to put them back in the exact slot they were in later. Carefully pull the camshaft out of the engine.
8Remove the thrust bearing. At the back of the engine you will see the thrust bearing retainer plate held in place by two or three bolts. Remove these bolts and pull the thrust bearing out.
