Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) pilot bushing

[FDNYMOPARGUY]

I'm replacing my clutch soon. What's the best pilot bushing to go with?

 

[GCroyle]

Pilot Types

The OE design is made by INA and is an open needle bearing, yellow grease. It carries a higher shaft load than a bushing will. One bad thing is if the needle bearing goes out, it can take the nose of the input shaft with it, bushings are a little bit more forgiving.



Areas to pay close attention to.

1. Check the alignment dowel sleeves and the corresponding holes in the bell housing. These control the concentric alignment of the crankshaft to input shaft.

2. Use care installing the transmission so as not to damage the needle bearing.

3. Minimize the amount of "clutch released" time, this will extend the life of the pilot. Example, shift into neutral at traffic lights, take your foot off of the clutch pedal. During a clutch relased, engine running situation is when the pilot is really doing it's job, crank is turning, input shaft is not.

4. When the trans is out, move the input shaft up and down at the pilot area to check for loose front bearing, it it moves up and down, consult a transmisssion specialist for possible needed repairs.

 

[BigPapa]

I put one of the SBC roller bearings in when I put the Con-O in. It requires some machine work on the flywheel to install. I just had the transmission out and the bearing looked good. It has been in about 80K miles.



Scott

 

[OPoole]

If you go with a new SBC they come with a new pilot bearing in there clutch kit. If you had a 5 spd they come with a new flywheel and the HD sealed roller bearing.