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Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 12:41 pm
by clodhopper
Any ideas?

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 12:56 pm
by mrdibs
Cut flush and drill. They're relatively soft. When the metal is 90% gone, they may fall out, or at least chip out. I'm afraid to heat or hammer on cast parts.

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:34 pm
by lazyuniondriver
Depending on location or access restrictions, drill it crossways, insert a pin or a bolt then work it out with a pair of rolling wedge bars. A crowned or castellated socket can be used to spin the pin during the prying process.

This method is less likely to damage the casting if the drill gets off center and if still on the vehicle, downward drilling pressure is easier.

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:51 pm
by Johnk454
I've had luck in other applications using a set of diagonal side cutters (dikes, to the electricians) to grip the dowel and slowly levering it out, a bite at a time. This works realy well on keys stuck in keyways, BTW.

If that doesn't work, I center drill, followed buy drilling a small relieving hole and then finally use a left-handed drill of the appropriate size.

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:56 pm
by Boss Hog
Vicegripes

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:58 pm
by Jim Becker
I guess the answer depends a bit on why you are removing it. If you are removing it to reuse, the destructive removal methods aren't helpful. If it is damaged (how?) the extent of the damage eliminates some of the options.

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 2:15 pm
by clodhopper
Jim Becker wrote:I guess the answer depends a bit on why you are removing it. If you are removing it to reuse, the destructive removal methods aren't helpful. If it is damaged (how?) the extent of the damage eliminates some of the options.

It was to reuse them, but I guess I will be buying or making some new ones

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 2:49 pm
by Jim Becker
clodhopper wrote:
Jim Becker wrote:I guess the answer depends a bit on why you are removing it. If you are removing it to reuse, the destructive removal methods aren't helpful. If it is damaged (how?) the extent of the damage eliminates some of the options.

It was to reuse them, but I guess I will be buying or making some new ones

In that case, the vise-grip option is in play. It will put a few grooves in parallel to the axis of the pin, but usually not destroy it. Use the vise-grips to rotate the pin and provide something to pry against. Another option is to drive it into the housing until the housing breaks. Then you can knock it out from the back side.

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 5:47 pm
by wfmdfm
Drill and tap with a 1/4 20 thread. Set deep socket on to and insert a long 1/4 20 bolt with washer and pull it out.

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 6:44 pm
by ntrenn
and call fastenal or mcmaster for the new dowels - they are super cheap.

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 8:17 pm
by Johnk454
ntrenn wrote:and call fastenal or mcmaster for the new dowels - they are super cheap.


Agreed!

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 10:17 pm
by clodhopper
Johnk454 wrote:
ntrenn wrote:and call fastenal or mcmaster for the new dowels - they are super cheap.


Agreed!

Found that a piece of 7/16 steel rod will work. I am going to just make some...

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 11:07 pm
by ntrenn
If you have that laying around, at least that will save you a trip to the store.
Typical dowel pins are ground to 0.0005 total tolerance. Steel bar/rod is usually +/-0.002, or 0.004 total.

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 10:02 am
by Matt Kirsch
If you are going to reuse it, why even remove it in the first place?

Re: Transmission case dowel pin removal

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 11:44 am
by clodhopper
Matt Kirsch wrote:If you are going to reuse it, why even remove it in the first place?

I am replacing my damaged trans case. New one is missing dowels on one side. Was going to use the dowels out of the old case. I can see they are easier to make or buy than remove.