SB64

I did not want to bury my question in my restore post, not everyone follows it. I need to replace the pilot bearing and the old one has already been removed. Show me what you have used and any tips would help.
Thanks
Roger

mev

Roger,

Full disclosure - I'm not a mechanic. Regardless, I assume you're referring to the bushing/bearing that a manual transmission spline rides in on the end of the crank. If so, I suggest you replace the old solid bushing with a roller bearing. To facilitate installation expand the end of the crank by heating it. Use boiling water if the crank's out and a hair dryer if its not. (Do NOT use a direct flame. This may cause a fire.) Also shrink the roller bearing by putting it in the freezer. Then slide it in and seat it with a socket of appropriate size.

Hope that helps

MeV

jnb5101

Stay with the Oilite solid bearings-there's nothing to break. First, try the bearing on the input shaft of the trans, I had one that was a very tight fit. Measure the depth of the crank hole and the length of the bearing so you know when to stop hammering! Use a socket slightly smaller than the bearing to seat it with moderate hammer strikes. Stay away from the center to prevent distortion of the hole.

doorgunner

Annnnnnnnnnnnd......take some 400-600 grit wet-sanding paper (use it dry) and remove any marks/scrapes/rust inside the fit before heating it.

Revi

I would not use a roller bearing. Total failure in a few thousand miles. You'll find other posts with the same results.

bj1k

I like the solid brass bushings. They will last as long as your clutch disc and won't fail. A roller bearing that small can and have failed causing seizure and damaging the input shaft of the transmission . Just drive the bushing in flush with a socket the size of the outer part of the bushing.

SB64

I will have the solid brass unit. I planned on a smaller socket and trying it on the shaft first. Not sure if the inside diameter will change as it goes in. Deadblow hammer but was not aware of heating it. Can you use a small amount of bearing grease around the outside to help it go in? I assume it goes even with the block or I guess measure it like some one suggested. Okay I have a pretty good idea on how not to screw it up.
Thanks Everyone
R

loup68

I don't see why you should need to heat it, Roger. Lou.

loup68

Are the GM Performance Parts roller bearings that fragile? I have one on my ZZ4 flywheel.
You guys have me worried now. I thought that it would be longer lasting than the brass bushing. Lou.

SB64

Now Lou Booobie don't worry I am sure your car will be fine. I don't think I will heat it either. I am just a little worried that it will fit on the shaft but when I tap it into its location the ID may change. I guess I can always Dremel it a pinch.
R

1974ta

HI Roger.

Soak the oilite bushing in clean motor oil and then put it in the freezer over night after having checked to make sure it fits over the transmission input shaft.

Use the socket as others suggested to drive it in flush. Make sure the pilot bushing is non-magnetic. If it is magnetic you can get a correct pilot bushing form auto gear that is the correct material for miles of trouble free service.

Bill

bj1k

No need to heat. If the bushing is the same temperature as the crankshaft everything will be factory specs. It is supposed to be tight . Just make sure that you have it started straight and it will drive right in. No lubricants , just drive it in. You won't have a problem. Some of the solid brass bearings already have a lubricant impregnated into the brass.

BBCorv70

I will add you should check the replacement bushing, see if it contains iron. I've heard of some Chinese replacements which have iron in them, claims of the input shaft to the transmission being damaged over time. Easiest way to tell is put a magnet to the bushing, shouldn't be attracted at all. From what I've heard, the originals did not contain iron. I've stayed with original bushings, no personal experience with what's out there these days.

SB64

Thank you everyone for your input and ways of checking and installing the pilot bushing. Hopefully it will arrive mid week so I can take care of the step and put everything back the way it was.
Thank You
Roger

SB64

Hi Bill, I took your advice and spoke with Nathan at Auto Gear and he was very informative. He is sending me there pilot bushing. He also mentioned some od the same tips that others gave me in this post. Should have it by the end of the week. Thanks for the tip.
Roger

SB64

Can I use the spline off an old Muncie to tap the bushing in???
R

bashcraft

You talking about the input shaft? I believe there's a big radius on the shaft that will destroy the bushing.

LT-1 kid

the radius on the shaft fits the bushing radius perfect, so anwser is yes,
I do it all the time

540 vette

Get a wooden dowel and tap it in.

wyocat

I used my Damper puller. I set it up on the end of the crank and it pushed it right in. Replacing will still in the car and laying on the floor I really could not get a good straight blow to drive it with a socket. so pushed it in.