shredded pilot bearing
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 577
Likes: 6
From: mempho, tn
shredded pilot bearing
well, took the drive train apart after developing a bad vibration upon launch at the track. went ahead and bout the lg shaft, thinking it was the torque tube that was whipping, along with new coupler, etc. well, though that may help nonetheless, the pilot bearing was torn to shreds, i mean mutalated. question is, what would have caused it upon the launch, and any suggestions on situation and reinstall! thanks, joe
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,370
Likes: 8
From: Slave to the evil empire
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04
There are a couple reasons why it could be destroyed.
1. was it installed correctly? If you look at it one side is flat and the other side is chamfered, I'll have to doublecheck but I believe the chamfered side goes forward.
2. It could have been lightly damaged the last time the tube was installed and then self destructed when the car was started.
Do you have any vibration issues, this can also destroy the pilot bearing.
Is your pilot a bushing or does it have needle bearings?
1. was it installed correctly? If you look at it one side is flat and the other side is chamfered, I'll have to doublecheck but I believe the chamfered side goes forward.
2. It could have been lightly damaged the last time the tube was installed and then self destructed when the car was started.
Do you have any vibration issues, this can also destroy the pilot bearing.
Is your pilot a bushing or does it have needle bearings?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 16
From: Nashville TN
Are you running upgraded criveshaft couplers? I speculate that the stiffer couplers may transmit more force and vibration to the pilot bearing causing failure. I am running Lamar Wladen couplers and had a bearing go out.
Another thing to check is misalignment with the belhousing. Have you ever changed the bellhousing? If it is not in spec or is damaged the misalignment between the torque tube and bearing can cuase a side load to be transmitted to the bearing.
Just a few ideas.
Another thing to check is misalignment with the belhousing. Have you ever changed the bellhousing? If it is not in spec or is damaged the misalignment between the torque tube and bearing can cuase a side load to be transmitted to the bearing.
Just a few ideas.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 0
From: DP(oh you know where) IL
St. Jude Donor '06
I just got mine back from the dealer for this. The told me that the pilot bearing went bad as well as the shift fork being bent. No clue what caused it though.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 577
Likes: 6
From: mempho, tn
i had the solid rear coupler with a stock from. as soon as i launced, i felt the big vibration. was fine until then. it was a needle bearing unit that came with the spec clutch. thanks, joe any suggestions or specific instructions on reinstall?
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: novato calif.
I just finished repairing vibration in drive line,my pilot and slave were gouged out by bent torque tube,to much flex.Replaced all components and clutch,vibration is gone.I never really knew what made tube flex so much as to cause that much damage.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 16
From: Nashville TN
What year car was this? I think the later year torque tubes are heavier. I don't think the tube was flexing. More than likely your couplers failed causing the problem or the driveshaft got warped/bent some way and destroyed the slave/pilot.