Pilot bushing content
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From: Connecticut, USA
Pilot bushing content
A quick note, I don't know if it's been addressed here or not. I have 2 new Lakewood pilot bushings. I checked both and they are magnetic which indicates probably powered metal content. The original was bronze-not magnetic. I spoke to a tranny guy at Carlisle and he had several of the new bushings on his table and said they would cause a problem by overheating and damaging the input shaft of tranny. Did anyone check parts stores to see what the replacements are made of? I plan on making my own out of oillite bronze if I have to.
Thanks
Gary
Thanks
Gary
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Joined: Aug 1999
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From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Re: Pilot bushing content (gtr1999)
Gary -
Skip the solid pilot bushings altogether and go with the roller needle bearing - it will run much more reliably.
By the way, if any pilot bushing is creating so much friction that it heats up and tries to score the input shaft, it will cause the input shaft to turn while the clutch pedal is depressed. This, in turn, will make it virtually impossible to put the car in gear, and the car is therefore not drivable.
Skip the solid pilot bushings altogether and go with the roller needle bearing - it will run much more reliably.
By the way, if any pilot bushing is creating so much friction that it heats up and tries to score the input shaft, it will cause the input shaft to turn while the clutch pedal is depressed. This, in turn, will make it virtually impossible to put the car in gear, and the car is therefore not drivable.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,205
Likes: 4,034
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: Pilot bushing content (gtr1999)
Follow up - NAPA #615-1161 $3.06 non- magnetic.
Interesting, this is the second item purchased from a known performance company (1st was a Hurst comp+) that was not up to quality standards of past purchases. Both owned by Mr Gasket Company. Wonder if they're still made in the USA or just labled here? :rolleyes:
Lars, thanks for the reply. I was thinking of that until I stopped at the local NAPA today. As for the heat buildup, I saw a damaged input shaft at the Carlisle booth of the tranny guy. He was positive it was caused from one of those powdered metal bushings. I don't know the application and stress it was put through,but why take a chance on a $3.00 part?
Gary
[Modified by gtr1999, 2:45 PM 9/3/2003]
Interesting, this is the second item purchased from a known performance company (1st was a Hurst comp+) that was not up to quality standards of past purchases. Both owned by Mr Gasket Company. Wonder if they're still made in the USA or just labled here? :rolleyes:
Lars, thanks for the reply. I was thinking of that until I stopped at the local NAPA today. As for the heat buildup, I saw a damaged input shaft at the Carlisle booth of the tranny guy. He was positive it was caused from one of those powdered metal bushings. I don't know the application and stress it was put through,but why take a chance on a $3.00 part?
Gary
[Modified by gtr1999, 2:45 PM 9/3/2003]
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From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Pilot bushing content (gtr1999)
I had a couple roller bushings fail, might have been user error but for piece of mind I have gone back to bronze. It may cost a hp or 2 but it won't come apart. Have heard of soaking them in oil but I believe they are supposed to be self-lubricating.
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Re: Pilot bushing content (BeaterShark)
Gary, I used that GM needle bearing in my '68 convertible(30,000mi & still going)and also in the Yellow '80 I sold(27,000mi & still going). That's all I'll ever use from now on. :yesnod:
