In a message dated 5/12/03 7:21:32 PM, WOGNACIOUS@AOL.COM writes:

<< I'm having a bit of trouble removing the old pilot bearing. . . . I'm
looking for
alternative methods. >>

Paul,

Find or make a dowel about 4 inches long which fits the ID of the bearing
with a close sliding fit.  It can be almost any material, even hardwood, but
not rigatoni.  Pack as much grease a you can into the bearing recess then
insert the dowel into the bearing.  Don some old clothes and just as you
smack the dowel with a 2 lb. hammer, pinch your eyes closed.  When you
finish, there might be grease everywhere, but the bearing will be in your
mitt.  Some anal retentive types have been known to wrap a rag around the
dowel in order to forestall the possibility of grease shower.

George