93 BB base FD build-up

[sbrian2]

Originally Posted by afterburn27

You probably already know this, but when you loosen or remove that front eccentric shaft bolt with the engine in the car it can cause the thrust bearing to drop out of place. After a while the bearing, spacer, and thrust plate will wear down and possibly get chewed up and spit into the oil pan. This can also cause vibration and the bolt might end up removing itself after the bearing is completely destroyed. When that happens you are in a world of trouble. Don't ask me how I know...

Just something to think about...

http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/pulley.htm

We were aware of the possible problems and Andrew stayed in the car with his feet on the clutch and brake from the time just before the bolt was loosened until it was re-torqued. I feel confident that the trust bearings remained in place.

[afterburn27]

Originally Posted by sbrian2

We were aware of the possible problems and Andrew stayed in the car with his feet on the clutch and brake from the time just before the bold was loosened until it was re-torqued. I feel confident that the trust bearings remained in place.

It was my understanding that because the FD has a pull-type clutch you cannot use the "foot on the clutch" method when replacing the front eccentric shaft bolt. Pushing the clutch in pulls the flywheel away from the engine... the opposite of what you really need.

Chances are that the engine is fine and the thrust bearing stayed in place... but it isn't pretty when that bearing fails completely. You can probably just check the end play to verify that everything is A-OK.


*edit* Here's what happens for anyone who is curious:

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/mattmck/rx7/oilstreak.jpg
http://www.carclubvt.com/photopost/u...9/DSCN0324.jpg
http://www.carclubvt.com/photopost/u...9/DSCN0335.jpg

After that bearing dropped into the pan there was enough endplay to allow the eccentric shaft to repeatedly smash into the trans input shaft and "mushroom" the splines out which trapped the clutch disk. Sitting in the engine bay for hours with a needle file was "fun". LOL

[sbrian2]

Originally Posted by afterburn27

It was my understanding that because the FD has a pull-type clutch you cannot use the "foot on the clutch" method when replacing the front eccentric shaft bolt. Pushing the clutch in pulls the flywheel away from the engine... the opposite of what you really need.

You may be right. Dan was instructing Andrew on what to do and I was removing and reinstalling the bolt, so what went on it the car is a mystery to me. Maybe Dan will chime back in.

[Chadwick]

I had Andrew put the car in gear and his foot on the brake. I held the front hub the whole time while Brian removed and installed the eccentric shaft bolt. If there was any movement in the shaft I would of felt it. A quick check of the shaft play confirmed everything was A-OK.

Dan

[afterburn27]

Originally Posted by Chadwick

I had Andrew put the car in gear and his foot on the brake. I held the front hub the whole time while Brian removed and installed the eccentric shaft bolt. If there was any movement in the shaft I would of felt it. A quick check of the shaft play confirmed everything was A-OK.

Dan

Good deal!