Pilot Bushing vs Bearing

[Elm Zobens]

Just me again-
I'm replacing the transmission on my 69' Coupe from the original M-21 to an
M-20 from a 72' Vette. Along with swapping the driveshaft, both yokes and related U-Joints etc, I also need to replace the clutch (from 10 to 26 spline).
I have read several threads out here regarding Pilot Bushings vs Bearings and have found the majority of the comments are in favor of the bushing.
With that said, I want to install a pilot bearing instead (I can never be mainstream ;-).

My question is:
Is there a particular way to install this bearing?

The beaing is closed on one end and the 'cage' is open on the other. I can't find any documentation anywhere that specifies which end should face the engine vs the transmission.
From my perspective, I would think you would want to install the bearing with the open 'cage' side facing the engine- That way, you can pack the cavity in the crank full of grease and hopefully avoid the 'dry bearing' failures I've read so much about. If I install it the other way, you are pretty much stuck with only having the grease that can be physically contained within the bearing itself (which isn't much).

Any thoughts, suggestions, stories or advice (other than don't use the bearing)?
Thanks!
Elm.

[Mark #28455]

Re: Pilot Bushing vs Bearing

usually the "closed" side also has a rubber lip to seal the grease into the bearing, so if you install it the wrong way, it spews grease onto your new clutch disc. Also, like wheel bearings, overpacking a precision bearing with grease doesn't really help. The grease heats up, gets thin and runs out all over your new clutch. The factory used the precision bearings on diesel pickup cranks and they seemed to get good reliability by doing everything "stock". Bearings can be carefully installed with a tool that looks like a harmonic damper puller to press them into place or you can GENTLY tap them into place with a small hammer and socket so the force is distributed on the outer edge of the bearing. If you BEAT it into place, I can guarantee it will fail!

Good luck,
Mark

[Christopher R.]

Re: Pilot Bushing vs Bearing

Not sure, but I believe the one end of the OD is chamfered, and the other end has the ID chamfered. Not sure, but I believe when you have the thing in your hand, it's obvious which way it goes in.

I did one a few years ago. Don't remember which way the thing goes in. But I do remember I was concerned about it until I looked at it.

But the bearing in your freezer overnight to shrink it. I did that, and it went in easy.