Pilot Bearing Help!!
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 99
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From: Bossier City Louisiana
Pilot Bearing Help!!
I am trying to install a new pilot bearing in the end of a new crankshaft but the bearing seems to tight. 
I am sure I could drive the bearing into the bore with a big enough hammer but am afraid of damaging the bearing. How hard should the bearing be to drive in the bore? Do pilot bearings come in different OD sizes?? If not, can I hone the bore with a rotary tool to gain a little clearance?? All I need is an additional .002" or so.
Also, which side of the bearing points toward the transmission? The open needle bearing side or the closed seal side?
I am sure I could drive the bearing into the bore with a big enough hammer but am afraid of damaging the bearing. How hard should the bearing be to drive in the bore? Do pilot bearings come in different OD sizes?? If not, can I hone the bore with a rotary tool to gain a little clearance?? All I need is an additional .002" or so.Also, which side of the bearing points toward the transmission? The open needle bearing side or the closed seal side?
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
I used a bushing in mine and gave away the needle bearing. But whatever you do, unless you can prove that whoever made your crank machined it incorrectly DON'T HONE THE END OF THE CRANKSHAFT!!!!! My GM bronze pilot bushing had about a .0015 press fit as I remember and it had to be persuaded a little to go in.
Bill
Bill
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 546
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From: Pinellas Park FL
I also used a bushing. Much more reliable than a bearing. It is a tight fit. The best way is to put it in the freezer for about an hour or so and install it right when you remove it from the freezer. The cold will shrink the metal just enought where you can tap it in with a socket and small hammer. I have done this several times.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 923
Likes: 164
From: Hudson NH
You can always heat the crank snout w/ a heat gun and chill the pilot bearing in the freezer. That should give you the necessary clearance.
And be careful installing your transmission if you use the needle bearing. If you misalign the input shaft as you install the transmission, you can dig into the bearing, and break the needles.
Mark
And be careful installing your transmission if you use the needle bearing. If you misalign the input shaft as you install the transmission, you can dig into the bearing, and break the needles.
Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Originally Posted by rondo73
I am trying to install a new pilot bearing in the end of a new crankshaft but the bearing seems to tight. I am sure I could drive the bearing into the bore with a big enough hammer but am afraid of damaging the bearing. How hard should the bearing be to drive in the bore? Do pilot bearings come in different OD sizes?? If not, can I hone the bore with a rotary tool to gain a little clearance?? All I need is an additional .002" or so.
Also, which side of the bearing points toward the transmission? The open needle bearing side or the closed seal side?
I am sure I could drive the bearing into the bore with a big enough hammer but am afraid of damaging the bearing. How hard should the bearing be to drive in the bore? Do pilot bearings come in different OD sizes?? If not, can I hone the bore with a rotary tool to gain a little clearance?? All I need is an additional .002" or so.Also, which side of the bearing points toward the transmission? The open needle bearing side or the closed seal side?
