I did mine (87 Syncro) with a couple of small (1/8") flat tip screw drivers
wedged between the bearing and the crankshaft.  It wasn't pretty but it came
out...in pieces.  The mechanics over at Burnsville (MN) VW said that the toll
shown in Bentley isn't all that good anyway.  They suggested the screw driver
thing.

SFC Brad Spear
'72 Westy (Still looking for a cylinder head)
'87 Syncro GL

In a message dated 98-10-28 22:15:00 EST, akimmons@PDQ.NET writes:

<< Hey all...
 Any tricks to getting out the pilot bearing between the crank and the
 trans?
 Looking for a cheap version of the special tool that the Bentley
 specifies.

 Oh...by the way...how do you get these "US Tool # such-n-such" that are
 listed in the manual? Is there some list that has these numbers or
 something?
 How does the regular ol guy get his hands on these?

 Thanks!
  >>