HELP: Front Cam Bearing Damage... Please Look!
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
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From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
HELP: Front Cam Bearing Damage... Please Look!
Ok... right now I'm pretty much sick to my stomach... this is my frist cam install and I'm scared that I f'ed up bad.
The cam was tought to get out but I went slow pulling and turning etc etc... it got hung up a bunch, but I was patient. At one point it was very stuck then all of a sudden it popped out 4 more inches. I get it all the way out and find that the AC condenser is in the way. So... I easily let the cam hang and get it out of the way, then proceed w/ pulling it out.
Here are the pics... the areas of concern are circeled in red w/ MS Paint and can be hard to see.
Pic 1 the top of the bearing has an odd irregular scratch that can be felt w/ my finger.
Pic 2 the bearing outer edge has two small nicks in it... I'm am unsure if I did these, but they're here now.
Pic 3 the bearing's lead part looks flakey to the right of the 6 o'clock position.
So... can I proceed w/ the cam install? Is this front bearing changeable w/ the motor in the car?
WHAT DO I DO?
The cam was tought to get out but I went slow pulling and turning etc etc... it got hung up a bunch, but I was patient. At one point it was very stuck then all of a sudden it popped out 4 more inches. I get it all the way out and find that the AC condenser is in the way. So... I easily let the cam hang and get it out of the way, then proceed w/ pulling it out.
Here are the pics... the areas of concern are circeled in red w/ MS Paint and can be hard to see.
Pic 1 the top of the bearing has an odd irregular scratch that can be felt w/ my finger.
Pic 2 the bearing outer edge has two small nicks in it... I'm am unsure if I did these, but they're here now.
Pic 3 the bearing's lead part looks flakey to the right of the 6 o'clock position.
So... can I proceed w/ the cam install? Is this front bearing changeable w/ the motor in the car?
WHAT DO I DO?
Last edited by Cobra4B; Jan 10, 2007 at 09:13 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
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From: Flagstaff Az.
Not to worry. You can rent a cam bearing removal tool (puller) to get the old bearing out and either a cam bearing install tool or a piece of wood to tap the new bearing in. Be sure to check the other bearings too. 
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From: Houston, Tx Got traction?
CI 5-6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
Brian, that really doesn't look deep enough to affect the oiling of the bearing to me. Maybe somebody has more experience, will tell you more. However, the risk of changing that bearing is probably more than running the original one. IF you're really worried about it just make sure it's smooth, around that edge.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
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From: Flagstaff Az.
I would not run a scratched bearing in my car. You can check the other bearings with a long handled mirror. You can change the bearings in the car. The tool has the ability to pull them all out the front if need be. Only problem is if one off the rear bearings is no good you have to pull all the ones in front of it to get it out. Then replace the bearings back to front as you work your way out. There is also a tool to help you hold the cam straight as it goes in and out. It attaches to the front of the cam.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
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From: Brentwood TN
It's not a bad idea to replace the cam bearings if you're swapping the cam. Cam wasn't a ten cent item and another $25 bucks, maybe a few pennies more or less ($23.98 at Rock Auto) is money well spent. Be sure to use a good cam break in lube. If you can find one with molybdenum disulfide in it, that is even better. A thin coat of MoS2 on the bearings and cam bearing journals provides good lubricity at startup.
Charlie
Charlie
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Rugby North Dakota
Brian -
Hope this turns out OK - keep us posted on what you decide to do - I'd have someone who knows a little something take a look at it, and then decide whether to replace the bearing or not -
We discussed it on your other thread, but looks like you found out here, so fill me in: does the a/c condensor HAVE to be moved out of the way for the removal/install of the cam, and if so, HOW FAR? obviously you found out, and I want to learn from your experiences.
Good luck, and keep up posted.
Hope this turns out OK - keep us posted on what you decide to do - I'd have someone who knows a little something take a look at it, and then decide whether to replace the bearing or not -
We discussed it on your other thread, but looks like you found out here, so fill me in: does the a/c condensor HAVE to be moved out of the way for the removal/install of the cam, and if so, HOW FAR? obviously you found out, and I want to learn from your experiences.
Good luck, and keep up posted.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: DFW Texas
CI 7-8 Veteran
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St. Jude Donor '07
Brian, that really doesn't look deep enough to affect the oiling of the bearing to me. Maybe somebody has more experience, will tell you more. However, the risk of changing that bearing is probably more than running the original one. IF you're really worried about it just make sure it's smooth, around that edge.
Your on the money Chris. Just got back from checking it out, it looks alot worse in the picture then it reality, a jewels file to knock off the gouges edges and a little emery cloth for the scratch. Just my QA structural mechanic opinion...BTw when i did my H/C swap this past summer i didn't have to remove my A/C condenser, had enough room after pushing it forward a little to pull the cam out.
Thread Starter
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From: Virginia Beach
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Charlie it's my understanding after research and speaking w/ tuners that you can use simple engine oil w/ the roller lifters etc. On the modern LSX motor there is no cam breakin, just heat cycling the spings. I plan on coating it w/ Amsoil 5w40 like I use in my motor.
Your on the money Chris. Just got back from checking it out, it looks alot worse in the picture then it reality, a jewels file to knock off the gouges edges and a little emery cloth for the scratch. Just my QA structural mechanic opinion...BTw when i did my H/C swap this past summer i didn't have to remove my A/C condenser, had enough room after pushing it forward a little to pull the cam out.Updating my main thread w/ today's pics now.
Team Owner
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From: I have no tolerence for liberals and fools, but sometimes i repeat myself
CI 3-5-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08
Brian, that really doesn't look deep enough to affect the oiling of the bearing to me. Maybe somebody has more experience, will tell you more. However, the risk of changing that bearing is probably more than running the original one. IF you're really worried about it just make sure it's smooth, around that edge.
smooth the nick out and the scratch isn't on the "load"side of the bearing so it won't be an issue
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,722
Likes: 64
From: DFW Texas
CI 7-8 Veteran
CI 8 Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '07
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,722
Likes: 64
From: DFW Texas
CI 7-8 Veteran
CI 8 Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '07