Z28LT1_Just_Nasty

Is it possible to remove and install cam bearings without the special cam bearing installation/removal tool? This is with the block completely disassembled. I can't justify buying the tool if I'm only going to use it once (its pretty much the only tool I don't have)

Local machine shop is backed up and I'm on bit of a tight schedule to get the car done before my vacation is up otherwise I'd take it to them. So if anyone has any ideas I'd like to hear them.

mdacton

no

I would call the machin shop, tell them you will pay cash and help move the block etc. It will only take a few min. they need to be perfectly straight. If you have never done them you need someone else to do it.

I can put them in in a few min....take your cam with you and oil it up stick it in and make sure it turns nice and free before you leave.

marshall93z

+1

shoebox

You might be able to do the two outside bearings, but not the inside ones. The tool makes it pretty easy. If it was the 'only tool I didn't have', I would buy one.

96capricemgr

I did a front one without the tool on a weekend in a big bind. Even that one was a hassle.
The tool is a lot cheaper than the consequences of getting it wrong.

marshall93z

It's pretty easy if you have the tool. I did mine and had never done it before. Didn't take long at all.

SS RRR

I tried this on the front bearing of a friend's car with a flat piece of plastic by banging around the circumference in a circle and could never get one in straight. I haz no skillz!

CANTONRACER

My machine shop charged me $10 to put in the bearings....and the cost of the bearings.

I let them do it and I even have the tool and have done it dozens of times.

marshall93z

$10 is cheap!

mdacton

I think most places charge around $35-$45 + the bearing price

Geoffmj

Sorry I dont meen to hijack the thread but since we're on the subject of cam bearings I was wondering if it is possible to remove and install cam bearings with the crank still in the block?

marshall93z

I paid $30. Ended up doing them again myself.

Z28LT1_Just_Nasty

Ya I figure I might as well just buy the tool. I know more than likely someday I'll use it again or at least sell it. Thanks for the replies.

mdacton

never tried it...but its not that hard to go ahead and take it out....

Trying to cut corners always ends the same way

shoebox

The crank should not interfere, but the engine has to be out of the car.