Is there some trick to removing a balance shaft bearing? Chiltons mentions a machine shop doing it. Why is that? If I can't get it out, does anyone have an extra balance shaft I can throw in to plug the hole?

I tapped out the front bearing with a big punch. Tapping it out slowly, working in a circular pattern.

The rear one was removed by turning the balance shaft around, and using the big end as a punch to push it out.

I then used the balance shaft again to install the new rear bearing and a block of wood to install the front.

They're hard to get out without messing up the bearing surface... most likely why they reccomend the machine shop doing it. black92 has the right idea. If you still can't get them out, I've got a couple spare shafts. I've come to the conclusion that I'd rather leave the front one in, as I've heard that it can raise the oil pressure too much by blocking it totally off.

I used a large socket, just the size of the bearing (Can't remember exactly what size unfortunately) on an extension and tapped it out gentle like. Well, as gentle as you can be with that SOB anyway.

Thanks guys. That makes sense using a big socket. I would use my balance shaft to get it out but I threw it out(stupid me).

In are shop I use a Camshaft install/removal tool. Not too many people have them that's my best guess as to why Chiltons would say that.

For future searches, I used a 32mm impact socket. I'm thinking a 34mm regular socket may work a bit better though. The 32 was a little lose.

thanks for the feedback... good useful info