[Ducati] RE: clutch holding tool . . .

[fhecker at earthlink.net]

greetings earthlings-

    The good news is that the clutch center nut has ben removed using the in-gear, pipe through the wheel, technique.  Now I get to replace some parts.   The small, dust seal that protects the needle bearing in the end of the input shaft failed, causing clutch dust to get to the needle bearing, causing that to disintegrate, which wore a groove in the clutch push rod.  And the bearing in the pressure plate seized as well.  And the clutch housing (outer part) is badly notched and friction plates tabs bashed. 
    Everything, except the outer race of the needle bearing, came apart like it should.  There is not much of the outer race to grab as you might know if you have been there, done that.   I took a 15/32 drill bit, clamped small vise-grips to the end and tapped the bit into the outer race, turning the bit clockwise.  It grabbed and I was able to keep turning the race towards the outside, away from being seated.  Then I took a 10 x 1.25 tap and threaded it into the race's rear edge.  Threaded a 10mm x 1.25 nut onto the tap and holding the tap stationary, turned the nut until it contacted the end of the input shaft, which drew the remaining race out.  Success!
    Now all I have to do is buy a new Nichols basket, Barnett plates, a few bearings, odds and ends and I am back in the saddle again.
    Thanks to all of you who offered up advice on getting the clutch center held.

ciao,
Fred Hecker
fhecker at earthlink.net
EarthLink Revolves Around You.