Jet drive rebuild DIY?

[danzr1]

Can I do this myself? Bought a 2003 GTI and the jet drive is seized. I have it all apart, there was no oil in the jet drive. I had to hammer out the impeller shaft. Any easy way for me to get the old bearings out or do I need to go to the dealer? They seem to be in pretty good.

Also, do you recommend Bombardier bearings or is WSM any good? The price difference is huge.

 

[racerxxx]

Totally do able by yourself. Honestly, I just use sockets to pop the old bearings out and put the new ones in. They are pressed in but you can bang them out if needed. I use a press but in the old days have just knocked them out with a mallet and socket. Just take pics, measure the depth of the bearings from one specific surface and when you re-install the new ones just set them to the same depth from the same surface you measured from. As far as which bearings to use? up to you really. I have used both for people and never had any issues with either. If that shaft is not as smooth as butter it's gotta go. Did I mention to take pics and take measurements?

 

[Spimothy Leary]

I would say its doable, although I personally have a friend do them for me, I want it done right and he's quite reasonable with what he charges but even he has told me a couple of times that I can do it myself.

 

[danzr1]

Okay great. How do I pop them out? I can push them inward, but I don't want to get one stuck inside the middle area. Does it work if I use one to push the other out?

Also, I would need a press to get them back in? Or will a socket be okay?

 

[racerxxx]

Just pop the seal out and CAREFULLY use a drift to remove ONE of the bearings. Catch the side of it--always push the bearings to the outside, never in if you can help it. Then use a socket and extension to remove the other one.

 

[racerxxx]

The whole trick is slow and careful. A press is the best way, but if your very careful you can do it with out one. Just remember to get a socket that will get the entire surface of the bearing. It can be big to get you going then when you set the depth you need one that is as close to the inside diameter of the housing but not too small. When you start the new one just make sure it starts straight.

 

[danzr1]

I got them out! They were in there good! Thanks for your help!

 

[PorknBeans]

I got them out! They were in there good! Thanks for your help!

So what method did you use?

 

[danzr1]

I tried using a metal rod to pound out the bearing opposite to the one with the seal. It didnt' work well as it didn't cover enough surface, just dented it mostly. I then used a 5/8th socket (smaller spark plug one) which caught more of the bearing edge and that worked. It took quite a few tries of trying to catch the edge and pounding it out. I then I used a bigger socket with extension which was almost the same size diameter as the bearing to pound out the other side with the seal which was much easier.

Once the fist one is out, the second is easy.