What tools are needed to change out bearings and seals

[fields_mj]

I have an 036 and an 064 that both need new seals and bearings (vacuum leak). I've been tinkering around at trying to find someone to do the work mainly because I've never worked on the bottom end of a saw. I have new OEM top end parts for the 036, and will be ordering them for the 064, but I want to get the seals and bearings replaced in both of them before I buy any more parts. I already have the OEM seals and bearings for both saws, but I'm not sure if there are any special tools that I need, or that would make the work go a lot smoother.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

You do not "need" special tools.
However, "special tools" are available to complete the task in question.

Depends on how deep your pockets are, the prospect of future use and how adapt you are at working around potential problems by means other than service manuals and text books.
Cases can be split and bearings removed with heat and a brass hammer.
New bearings can be fitted with heat and cold.
Seals can be fitted with a bit of old film negative, large socket and a hammer.
Or you can buy all the Stihl branded tools to do the same job.

 

[fields_mj]

Unfortunately, I feel WAY more comfortable putting it back together than I do taking it apart without damaging it. I'm pretty adept at figuring things out, but I've learned that the knowledge often comes at the expense of what ever I'm working on the FIRST time I have to do it. I can swing a hammer just fine, but knowing WHERE to swing it, and about how hard to swing it is often times the difference between an easy disassembly, and having to replace something that was ruined. These are probably the only 2 saws I will ever do this on. I don't have a case splitter, but it looks like they only run around $50 to $80 on Amazon. Assuming the Amazon tool works well, I'd be willing to spend that on the tool and then let it collect dust. I have a regular old heat gun, and multiple deep freezers that I can use to expand and contract parts for easier assembly. I have torches as well, but I'm not willing to warm anything important with one. My patience isn't sufficient to overcome my lack of experience....

Ugh, it still sounds like I'd be a lot better off finding someone with some experience and paying them to do the installs.

 

[atpchas]

I'm wondering why you believe the bearings need replacing. An air leak does not necessarily mean bearings are bad. Have you done a P/V test and identified the air leak locations? Could be seals, base gasket, impulse hose, manifold, decomp (if present), spark plug (rare), case gasket (also rare).

If it is seals, they can be changed without splitting the case.