Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) NV4500 Pilot Bearing

[Ncostello]

I've got to replace the clutch soon. Of course I'll replace the needle roller bearing (pilot) but I was thinking about using the bronze oilite bushing versus the stock roller bearing or the Kevlar Bushing. Under normal driving conditions (no towing, pulling, racing etc) how long might one last before becoming too worn out to do its job. I dont hold the clutch pedal in for long periods of time when not moving so that may help a little. I've never had a bronze pilot bushing in any of my previous manual shift trucks so I have no idea what to expect. Thanks.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Ncostello,



I changed my clutch at 110,000 miles and I could have re-used the OEM pilot bearing. It was in good shape. I put a new roller back in. I had a Kelvar bushing on hand too. From what I have heard and read the Kelvar & bronze bushings are more "problem Solvers" Like for a loose input shaft. If you OEM pilot looks good, input shaft is nice and tight use a new roller pilot.



My 2 cents

 

[KcoleKennyc]

Replaced the stock one with the bronze bushing. I've never heard of one of these causing any trouble. I never sit at red lights with the clutch in but when I replaced the clutch the only thing left of the original bearing was the outer shell. Won't have another one of these in my truck. Kenny N4YYX

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

oilite bronze bushings are long-lasting and trouble-free. Chevy and Mopar have used them for decades. Roller bearings are good if the grease doesn't leak or dry out, and if there is no misalignment at all.

 

[JohnE]

No experience with the Dodge, but I toasted the input shaft on a 924 Porsche when the roller bearing dried up.

A 924 has nearly a 6 foot input shaft due to the front engine & clutch with rear transaxle arrangement. And you thing NV aparts are expensive?

 

[Deezul1]

Oilite bronze bushings have been used for a very long time with great success. I have seen a whole lot of bronze bushings in a wide variety of cars from the 40s, 50s and 60s that had who knows how many miles on them and dont recall ever seeing a bad one and have replaced my roller bearing with a bronze also.