Pilot Bearing with A4?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Pilot Bearing with A4?
The dealership is in the process out swapping out LS1 engine in my 2001 right now. The new long block that came in from Scoggin-Dickey has a pilot bearing installed in the crankshaft. The LS1 that came out of my A4 did not have a pilot bearing installed.
The dealership said that the new engines come set up with a pilot bearing installed assuming that they are to be used in a Manual transmission application. The dealership is planning on leaving the pilot bearing installed and said it will not interfere with the torque tube spline that I currently have with my automatic... is that true?
The dealership said that the new engines come set up with a pilot bearing installed assuming that they are to be used in a Manual transmission application. The dealership is planning on leaving the pilot bearing installed and said it will not interfere with the torque tube spline that I currently have with my automatic... is that true?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Never really thought about it but I don't think it would be a problem. I've done both and the A4 shaft doesnt appear to extend quite as far. The spline would not engage the bearing anyway as it's too far back on the shaft. Here are a couple of shots of the A4 when I pulled the tt last year.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
I have not had a C5 apart yet, but any auto has to have some type of bushing to center the input shaft of the tranny to the engine. I would ask to see the old engine and look at the difference. If I remember correctly, the pilot bearing can be pushed too far into the engine an will cause oiling problems and leaks.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 719
Likes: 21
From: Miami Fl
iNTERESTING! I am in the middle of a major tear down in which i am putting solid couplers in there. Max which is one of the guys here on the forum recommened i put a pilot bearing in to help center this thing once i soidify it with the aluminum couplers...but like you mentioned there is no pilot bearing in there and i think it serves no purpose in the A4 setup.... i have pics that llok just like those you posted.
By the way make sure you are not running those soft bmw couplers..mine went bad they look new yet they have .200 inches of runoff and they rub like crazy!
By the way make sure you are not running those soft bmw couplers..mine went bad they look new yet they have .200 inches of runoff and they rub like crazy!
Never really thought about it but I don't think it would be a problem. I've done both and the A4 shaft doesnt appear to extend quite as far. The spline would not engage the bearing anyway as it's too far back on the shaft. Here are a couple of shots of the A4 when I pulled the tt last year.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 719
Likes: 21
From: Miami Fl
those splines and that square clamp center it??
am i wrong
am i wrong
I have not had a C5 apart yet, but any auto has to have some type of bushing to center the input shaft of the tranny to the engine. I would ask to see the old engine and look at the difference. If I remember correctly, the pilot bearing can be pushed too far into the engine an will cause oiling problems and leaks.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Correct. The splines and clamp are the connection. The SM procedure is to run the car at idle or low speed for 10 minutes or so with the clamp loose to allow the shaft to center before it's torqued. Check it out.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 719
Likes: 21
From: Miami Fl
great! yeah thats the way i have done it in the past.
By the way do the manual vettes have that clamp?
probably not that why they need a pilot bushing
By the way do the manual vettes have that clamp?
probably not that why they need a pilot bushing
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