installing pilot bearing

[Jack O.]

What's the best way to install a new pilot bearing with the engine in the car? I used a special tool that connect to a slide hammer to get it out. It's a 69' 427.
Thanks.

[Mike M.]

Re: installing pilot bearing

i SLIGHTLY camfer the forwar facing edge of the new pilot bushing , lubricate the outside diameter of the bushing, then take an old input shaft that i cut in two and use the front half of the modified input shaft to drive the bushing in. if you are installing a pilot BEARING, pick a socket out of your tool box that is just slightly samller in diameter than the outside diameter of the new bearing and use the socket to tap the new bearing in the end of the crankshaft. don't use the modified input shaft to install a BEARING as you'll probably ruin the bearing. good luck, mike

[William V.]

Re: installing pilot bearing

I suggest you install a bushing rather than a bearing. They are inexpensive, easy to install, available at any parts store, and will out live the clutch. It's much easier to damage a pilot bearing during installation.

Just follow Mike's installation method. Be sure to put some grease on bushing so the transmission input shaft turns freely. The bushing is brass and will ware before the shaft.

Good luck.

[Mark H.]

Re: installing pilot bearing

Feel like an idiot, but have to ask - what's the difference between a piolt bearing and a pilot bushing? I'm used to seeing the terms used interchangably.

[Clem Z.]

Re: installing pilot bearing

the bushing is made from solid oilite bronze and the bearing is made from steel with little rollers on the inside diameter for the input shaft to run on.

[John M.]

Re: installing pilot bearing

The bearing is a bear to get out if anything goes wrong whereas the bushing can be yanked out with a 5/8-11 tap with ease. This could be really important if the bearing fails.