pilot bearing install - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71/454 · 03-04-2007, 02:38 AM

I've done a search and did not find anything for exact instructions on installing a pilot bearing. My 454 has a brass bushing installed in it now even though it came out of an automatic, but it does show signs of use. To be on the safe side I bought a new one and the parts store guy gave me a bearing instead of a bushing. My only question is, the bushing in there now appears to be pressed in all the way to the bottom. The parts store guy said to drive the bearing in flush. What is the correct way to install the pilot bearing? Thanks

RACINJASON22 · 03-04-2007, 03:25 AM

I have always installed mine bottomed out no problems my .02

OhioDan · 03-04-2007, 04:10 AM

I've always found a bolt or rod just big enough to fit the center hole.(loosely) Fill the hole and behind it with grease. Place the bolt or rod into the center hole and hit with hammer. It will hydaulic the old one out. Might have to refill a couple times to get it out all the way? Once it's out, clean out grease. Place new pilot bearing into hole. Beveled side out. Prefer to use a driver here. Tap new bearing into place. Careful not to peen the inside hole.(makes trans installation very difficult if you do)

PanelDeland · 03-04-2007, 11:26 AM

What OD said.I use a brass drift.That way it wont mar the bearing at all.

71/454 · 03-06-2007, 03:30 PM

So bottom out the pilot bearing? not install it flush?

sneakysnake · 03-06-2007, 03:47 PM

For removing the above mentioned will work sometimes, if not then split it with a chisel.

Install, I use a wooden dowel rod like in a closet and flush the bearing to the outer edge of crank.
P.S. look close at the inner of the bearing or bushing some are tapered so the pilot shaft will align better so make sure it points out.

crazy longhorn · 03-06-2007, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sneakysnake

For removing the above mentioned will work sometimes, if not then split it with a chisel.

Install, I use a wooden dowel rod like in a closet and flush the bearing to the outer edge of crank.
P.S. look close at the inner of the bearing or bushing some are tapered so the pilot shaft will align better so make sure it points out.

I run a tap in mine, & use a BB Olds balancer bolt to push it out.....dont remember the thread size for sure, but I think it was 9/16 NA fine. this will push that old bushing out nicely. as far as how deep.....to the bottom works fine, but flush with the 1st step will give a little more coverage on the bearing.....either way should run you fine tillthe next clutch change

L

Fred T · 03-06-2007, 04:19 PM

The bearing is supposed to be flush. The load on the main shaft is lower.

**slomotion** · 03-06-2007, 08:55 PM

If at all possible, measure the distance from the face of the bell housing to the deepest part of the crank where the bushing lives. Then measure the distance from the face of the trans to the end of the clutch splines where they taper to the bushing surface. Compare these two dimensions to determine where the bushing wants to go.

The only reason I mention this is because in my case I had to drive the bushing in another 3/8" beyond flush because the tapered end of the splines bottomed out on the bushing, not allowing the trans to "seat" properly.

Just my .02 Good Luck!

RACINJASON22 · 03-06-2007, 10:57 PM

Makin me think again??? Like I stated before I have always bottomed mine out with no problems even in my race applications (circle track) but, that was because that was the way I was told to do it not meaning it was right. I have looked in a few of my books here at the house and none of them actualy say one way or the other. hmmmm. Also just to add I always go with the roller replacement bearing instead of the bushing only a couple more$$. Does anyone have some real tech on how it should be positioned flush or bottomed out. Seems like slomotion has it right IMO though.

71/454 · 03-08-2007, 05:43 AM

Thanks guys for all your input. I think I will play it safe and try to measure like was suggested. I'm glad I asked, Thanks again.

manimal · 03-08-2007, 12:14 PM

To remove the bushing,use a course tap.Tap it until it comes out-DONE! I have used a piece of PVC and or a wooden dowel to install new ones,you wont have to worry about 'peening' it.Just a thought.
-Lance

70rs/ss · 03-08-2007, 02:38 PM

I like the bushing alot more than the bearing. Let it soak overnight in a lightweight engine oil 0w20 if you can get it. the bushing will never come apart like the bearing will (they always do). My trans guy (building em for over 45 years) swears by the bushing. As if you weren't already confused with all the other advice, sorry.

RACINJASON22 · 03-08-2007, 02:56 PM

70rs/ss ya have apoint there in less is more. Less moveable parts means less to fail, but I have never had one come apart on me. I don't have much experiance in higher milage street applications my is on track stuff being replaced at shorter intervals with no failures.

03-04-2007, 02:38 AM	#1
71/454 Turbo Guy Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 353	pilot bearing install I've done a search and did not find anything for exact instructions on installing a pilot bearing. My 454 has a brass bushing installed in it now even though it came out of an automatic, but it does show signs of use. To be on the safe side I bought a new one and the parts store guy gave me a bearing instead of a bushing. My only question is, the bushing in there now appears to be pressed in all the way to the bottom. The parts store guy said to drive the bearing in flush. What is the correct way to install the pilot bearing? Thanks __________________ 1972 Gmc Custom swb intercooled twin turbo 327 10.5-1 and 12 lbs of boost, Nodular iron case super t-10 4 speed with a blowproof bellhousing, 12 bolt eaton posi soon to have moser axles. 1998 Honda CR250 fully ported, case matched, milled head, vortexed carb and revalved suspension but don't forget the woody woodpecker decal kit! Things I've broken so far: 12 bolt diff saginaw 4 spd many, many pieces Aluminum case Super t-10 4 spd

03-04-2007, 03:25 AM	#2
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: pilot bearing install I have always installed mine bottomed out no problems my .02 __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR!

03-04-2007, 04:10 AM	#3
OhioDan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA Posts: 1,404	Re: pilot bearing install I've always found a bolt or rod just big enough to fit the center hole.(loosely) Fill the hole and behind it with grease. Place the bolt or rod into the center hole and hit with hammer. It will hydaulic the old one out. Might have to refill a couple times to get it out all the way? Once it's out, clean out grease. Place new pilot bearing into hole. Beveled side out. Prefer to use a driver here. Tap new bearing into place. Careful not to peen the inside hole.(makes trans installation very difficult if you do) __________________ LIFE AIN'T EASY WHEN YER FAT AND GREASY! GMC= Got More Class! 1970 GMC LWB, Fleetside, 350/4spd, Flowmaster "40's", 2002 GMC 16" Rallies, cowl hood,and added a bunch of options that weren't there when I started.

03-04-2007, 11:26 AM	#4
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: pilot bearing install What OD said.I use a brass drift.That way it wont mar the bearing at all. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

03-06-2007, 03:30 PM	#5
71/454 Turbo Guy Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 353	Re: pilot bearing install So bottom out the pilot bearing? not install it flush? __________________ 1972 Gmc Custom swb intercooled twin turbo 327 10.5-1 and 12 lbs of boost, Nodular iron case super t-10 4 speed with a blowproof bellhousing, 12 bolt eaton posi soon to have moser axles. 1998 Honda CR250 fully ported, case matched, milled head, vortexed carb and revalved suspension but don't forget the woody woodpecker decal kit! Things I've broken so far: 12 bolt diff saginaw 4 spd many, many pieces Aluminum case Super t-10 4 spd

03-06-2007, 03:47 PM	#6
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Re: pilot bearing install For removing the above mentioned will work sometimes, if not then split it with a chisel. Install, I use a wooden dowel rod like in a closet and flush the bearing to the outer edge of crank. P.S. look close at the inner of the bearing or bushing some are tapered so the pilot shaft will align better so make sure it points out.

03-06-2007, 04:19 PM	#8
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: pilot bearing install The bearing is supposed to be flush. The load on the main shaft is lower. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

03-06-2007, 08:55 PM	#9
slomotion Old Duffer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Maine Posts: 1,821	Re: pilot bearing install If at all possible, measure the distance from the face of the bell housing to the deepest part of the crank where the bushing lives. Then measure the distance from the face of the trans to the end of the clutch splines where they taper to the bushing surface. Compare these two dimensions to determine where the bushing wants to go. The only reason I mention this is because in my case I had to drive the bushing in another 3/8" beyond flush because the tapered end of the splines bottomed out on the bushing, not allowing the trans to "seat" properly. Just my .02 Good Luck! __________________ '68 Short C20 Flatbed Dually w/ 292 4bbl, Langdon cast headers, and WC T5 trans. '81 G10 Shorty Van "Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement." Will Rogers "Under promise, then over achieve."

03-06-2007, 10:57 PM	#10
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: pilot bearing install Makin me think again??? Like I stated before I have always bottomed mine out with no problems even in my race applications (circle track) but, that was because that was the way I was told to do it not meaning it was right. I have looked in a few of my books here at the house and none of them actualy say one way or the other. hmmmm. Also just to add I always go with the roller replacement bearing instead of the bushing only a couple more$$. Does anyone have some real tech on how it should be positioned flush or bottomed out. Seems like slomotion has it right IMO though. __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR! Last edited by RACINJASON22; 03-06-2007 at 10:57 PM.

03-08-2007, 05:43 AM	#11
71/454 Turbo Guy Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 353	Re: pilot bearing install Thanks guys for all your input. I think I will play it safe and try to measure like was suggested. I'm glad I asked, Thanks again. __________________ 1972 Gmc Custom swb intercooled twin turbo 327 10.5-1 and 12 lbs of boost, Nodular iron case super t-10 4 speed with a blowproof bellhousing, 12 bolt eaton posi soon to have moser axles. 1998 Honda CR250 fully ported, case matched, milled head, vortexed carb and revalved suspension but don't forget the woody woodpecker decal kit! Things I've broken so far: 12 bolt diff saginaw 4 spd many, many pieces Aluminum case Super t-10 4 spd

03-08-2007, 12:14 PM	#12
manimal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southern Kalifornia Posts: 3,066	Re: pilot bearing install To remove the bushing,use a course tap.Tap it until it comes out-DONE! I have used a piece of PVC and or a wooden dowel to install new ones,you wont have to worry about 'peening' it.Just a thought. -Lance

03-08-2007, 02:38 PM	#13
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: pilot bearing install I like the bushing alot more than the bearing. Let it soak overnight in a lightweight engine oil 0w20 if you can get it. the bushing will never come apart like the bearing will (they always do). My trans guy (building em for over 45 years) swears by the bushing. As if you weren't already confused with all the other advice, sorry.

03-08-2007, 02:56 PM	#14
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: pilot bearing install 70rs/ss ya have apoint there in less is more. Less moveable parts means less to fail, but I have never had one come apart on me. I don't have much experiance in higher milage street applications my is on track stuff being replaced at shorter intervals with no failures. __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR!

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