Changing a input shaft bearing

I have a 1996 K11 1.3 with what appears to be an input shaft bearing problem. Is this a difficult job to replace?
I am no expert but would really appreciate some feedback. I just got quoted $550 to buy a secondhand gearbox and nearly feinted.

Need to pull the box apart to do it, not the best idea for someone that isn't 100% on doing it

I would have no problems hiring someone here in Adelaide who needs some spending cash to do it for me. I would happily assist to the best of my abilities.

you need a press to pull the input shaft bearing off

I suspect what you are trying to say is that if I don't have the appropriate tools and/or expertise that it would be most likely a doomed enterprise before the start.
Is $550 for a gearbox a ripoff?

It's not as easy as an oil change.. :)
Yes you will need to couple of tools that are not ordinary.
If it isn't your daily go for it. $550 for an unknown condition gearbox is a rip. Whole micras can be had for that $$. If you decide to go for it I can scan pages of the Nissan manual that might help.

It is our daily. I have recently been forced onto a disability pension, my wife has lost her job of 16 years we have a mortgage, live in the Adelaide hills, and I require medical treatment three times per day in the city and the car is an unmitigated disaster.
Not looking for sympathy just illustrating what a shitty position we find ourselves in so we may be forced to go for it. If we do then those scans would be much appreciated I will let you know.
While not prepared to fork out $550 for a condition unknown gearbox I would buy a whole K11 for that price (if it worked) as it would be a good source for spares.
I love my Micra it is without doubt the best little car I have owned (and I have had a few). I have noticed that there are several other makes getting around that look like a K11. Are those parts interchangeable.
I have a diesel Toyota Landcruiser(needs a little work) I would practically swap for the right car.

I suggest ringing around to local workshops and getting some quotes as it is more of a specialised job, maybe a driveline specific shop. Any mechanic "should" be able to do it whether they want to, or its viable for them to do it is another thing.

Unless it is really making quite a noise i dare say you have a fair while to get some prices and make a firm decision either way as it isnt a very high stress bearing.

It may very well work out to be more than the 550 (few hours in few hours out and some fiddling in between) but that depends on your workshop.

It may be worth your while to get a second box or even do some disassembly yourself. I read that you have recently become disabled which i'm sorry to hear, but if you are still in any condition and have the knowledge and tools to remove and refit the gearbox you may potentially save a few hundred as you can just get the workshop to do the press work.

I'd dismantle what you can and then get a garage to do the bearing for you. Assuming you have sockets etc.

Though i do like taking stuff apart :D

Its not that hard to take apart the gearbox, as it all pretty much goes together in only one way...you just need to make sure you take a few pics. :)

Send 620racer a private message. He lives in Adelaide and might be able to help you for the right price...