new pilot bushing won't fit
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 284
Likes: 4
From: Philadelphia Pennsylvania
new pilot bushing won't fit
My new pilot bushing that came with my NAPA clutch kit doesn't fit. It looks like the right size but it is too tight of a fit to get in with a rubber mallet. I froze it overnight and put a little grease on it but it feels like it will not go in without excessive force. I searched around a little and it seems this is a common problem. Any suggestions? The inside diameter is good, it fits right around the transmission input shaft. I've heard stories of smashing it into place causing problems where the input shaft no longer fits.
Should I sand the outside a bit? Or spray it with canned air to freeze it better?
Left: new, Right: old
Should I sand the outside a bit? Or spray it with canned air to freeze it better?
Left: new, Right: old
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
Pilot bushings are a light interference fit. They are usually .0005 to .001 larger in diameter than the opening in the crank. A bushing driver is preferred but a socket close to the outside diameter can be used as a driver.
If you can put one in with a rubber mallet, something's wrong.
If you can put one in with a rubber mallet, something's wrong.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Pilot bushings are a light interference fit. They are usually .0005 to .001 larger in diameter than the opening in the crank. A bushing driver is preferred but a socket close to the outside diameter can be used as a driver.
If you can put one in with a rubber mallet, something's wrong.
If you can put one in with a rubber mallet, something's wrong.
We have a driver for doing this and a rubber mallet is not what we hammer it in with.
Willcox
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
I had the EXACT problem with my NAPA kit, I had to whack it in pretty hard with a block of wood.
I also spent 3 days trying to get the input shaft to seat into the bushing. I used the 'pack the hole with grease and use a bolt to pressure it out' removal method.....I used the same bolt, smeared in valve grinding compound, to open up the new bushing enough to take the input shaft.
I also spent 3 days trying to get the input shaft to seat into the bushing. I used the 'pack the hole with grease and use a bolt to pressure it out' removal method.....I used the same bolt, smeared in valve grinding compound, to open up the new bushing enough to take the input shaft.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 284
Likes: 4
From: Philadelphia Pennsylvania
I got it in when I switched to a metal hammer. It destroyed the old socket I used as a buffer but the bushing only has superficial scratches. The alignment tool still fits just fine so I expect the transmission shaft will also. Thanks guys.
Why do we replace pilot bushings anyway? I don't understand how a solid brass piece can fail. The old one I pulled out looks just fine, even through my clutch was ground to dust.
Why do we replace pilot bushings anyway? I don't understand how a solid brass piece can fail. The old one I pulled out looks just fine, even through my clutch was ground to dust.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I got it in when I switched to a metal hammer. It destroyed the old socket I used as a buffer but the bushing only has superficial scratches. The alignment tool still fits just fine so I expect the transmission shaft will also. Thanks guys.
Why do we replace pilot bushings anyway? I don't understand how a solid brass piece can fail. The old one I pulled out looks just fine, even through my clutch was ground to dust.
Why do we replace pilot bushings anyway? I don't understand how a solid brass piece can fail. The old one I pulled out looks just fine, even through my clutch was ground to dust.
They are actually made from what is called Oilite which means it is a oil impregnated bushing...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
Last one I installed, I used a driver borrowed from AutoZone. No worries about inside diameter changing (top of the bushing "mushrooming" as result of whacking it with a hammer.
I've used an old socket too, but the proper tool is usually the best way to go...and ya can't beat FREE tool rental!
I have the roller bearing pilot in one of my Vettes. From feedback on this and other forums, it may have been a mistake. So far, so good, for 20k miles. However, in deference to the bearing, I make an effort to pop the shifter into neutral and release the clutch, say at a stoplight, for example. That way I'm minimizing wear on the pilot to momentary use during engine starts and gear changes. So far so good, but I'll go with the majority recommendation and us the solid oil impregnated bushing next time.
P.
P.
I've used an old socket too, but the proper tool is usually the best way to go...and ya can't beat FREE tool rental!
I have the roller bearing pilot in one of my Vettes. From feedback on this and other forums, it may have been a mistake. So far, so good, for 20k miles. However, in deference to the bearing, I make an effort to pop the shifter into neutral and release the clutch, say at a stoplight, for example. That way I'm minimizing wear on the pilot to momentary use during engine starts and gear changes. So far so good, but I'll go with the majority recommendation and us the solid oil impregnated bushing next time.
P.
P.