Pilot Bushing Hell
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 79
Likes: 16
From: Indianapolis
Thanks. Yeah I have a new bronze one to go back in but this one is steel as I have learned since a magnet sticks to it and I absolutely cannot get it out. The grease gun's not working either
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: US-PNW
The tap will only go in until it hits the back of the crank then the bushing behaves like a nut and just keeps threading up the tap (and away from the block).
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 8,893
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From: US-PNW
Or else, carefully Dremel/die-grinder the steel to weaken it and chisel it out.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
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of course, use an Oilite® bushing https://oilite.com/
and there are literally Dozens of bronze alloys; even polymer
if seized due to corrosion OR Loctite, cut it.
and there are literally Dozens of bronze alloys; even polymer
if seized due to corrosion OR Loctite, cut it.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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thread tap into bushing. Keep cutting untill you have threaded it all the way. Then keep turning the tap. It will thread through like a bolt and hit the bottom of the hole. Keep turning now. As the tap continues to thread though, the bushing will get pulled down the threads and out.
Instructor
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 148
Likes: 33
From: The Alamo, Texas
When I removed my pilot bushing a couple years ago, the pilot busing pulled i rented was worthless. I ended up getting it out by packing the hole with both grease AND white bread… I was amazed at how much I was able to keep cramming in there. Used some socket with a tight fit to pound it (socket also filled with bread and grease lol)
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,627
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From: EAST TENNESSEE
Grease and a wooden dowell wrapped with masking tape for a fairly snug fit. Dowell acts as a piston. Whack the dowell with a hammer and it will pop out. Might want to wrap your hand with a rag to catch any grease if it squirts out the sides. You might need to repack it before the bushing comes out but it does work.
if you have a roller bearing this does not work. Only the bushings will come out this way.
if you have a roller bearing this does not work. Only the bushings will come out this way.
I’ve used this method since I was a kid and its always worked great,no problems whatsoever.
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Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Marlton NJ
With the correct soft bronze / oilite bushing that works.
But the OP said he had an incorrect steel one, and those can sometimes literally rust (weld) themselves in place, and be a pita.
But the OP said he had an incorrect steel one, and those can sometimes literally rust (weld) themselves in place, and be a pita.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 1,577
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"bronze" itself IS an alloy.
The Oilite site is linked above. see my post #24.
A brief visit should reveal the Many different alloys that manufacturer offers. Including alloys of bronze + ferrous metal.
FYI: for a very long time, chevy "bronze" pilot bushings have been installed that are Either magnetic OR Non-magnetic.
A brief visit should reveal the Many different alloys that manufacturer offers. Including alloys of bronze + ferrous metal.
FYI: for a very long time, chevy "bronze" pilot bushings have been installed that are Either magnetic OR Non-magnetic.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Indiana
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 1,577
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No matter whose pilot bushing you choose, No matter what it looks like, No matter if it does look like brass or bronze,
No matter what anybody tells you.
No matter what ---- You'd better check it with a strong magnet ---- BEFORE you push it into crank.
*it is a fact: many pilot bushings that are made of bronze (and look like bronze) do also contain cast iron and are attracted to magnet.
No matter what anybody tells you.
No matter what ---- You'd better check it with a strong magnet ---- BEFORE you push it into crank.
*it is a fact: many pilot bushings that are made of bronze (and look like bronze) do also contain cast iron and are attracted to magnet.