General Jack

iTrader: (4)

...I'm installing a new GM pilot bearing into the back of a Scat crank. Froze the thing for a couple of days and put a little bit of assembly lube on it. I've tapped it most of the way in... but its maybe 1/16th of an inch or less from being flush with the crank, and doesn't seem like it wants to go any further.

Is this OK? On my LS1 the pilot bearing is flush with the crank so I'm a littel concerned. I don't know if this is going to matter... any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

93cz28

iTrader: (5)

get a 6in long 1/2in drive extension and put the insert part around the bearing and hammer that **** in. same thing happend to me and i thought i had used the wrong bearing or something. all it needs is a good beating lol. i would get it as flush as i can if i were u.

Aaron91RS

iTrader: (8)

I'm no expert but when i pulled the tranny it looked like the snout rode with at least a 1/4 inch of room before it enlarged to the spline section so I can't see it bothering anything if hitting it with a socket doesn't push it in more

Grifter

iTrader: (12)

You should install the pilot bearing dry.

General Jack

iTrader: (4)

Why, and what are the consequences of not doing so?

LS1-450

iTrader: (33)

Just wap it already. As noted above, socket extension & a hammer.

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

Yup, it needs to be flush.

Grifter

iTrader: (12)

I wouldn't say that there are real consequences but I have always been taught and have practiced installing the pilot bearing dry. Just thoroughly clean the hole and then install it. It should be a very tight fit, applying grease will only take up more space possibly making it more difficult to install. But I am not sure, I have only installed them dry.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

I have put them in dry aswell..I used a Bronze Bushing and it popped right in with some hammerin.

General Jack

iTrader: (4)

So no problem if you cause some dents, scoring, etc. on the outer edge of the pilot bearing?

General Jack

iTrader: (4)

OK, thanks. Maybe thats why I'm having difficulty getting mine all the way in. Or maybe I'm just afraid to beat on the thing as mercilessly as necessary.

BES Stroked Nova

iTrader: (24)

get a socket that sits flush with the outside ring on the bearing. I hope you installed the larger open end of the bearing inward. and the more closed back part toward the trans. anyways just beat on it a little and it should go in flush.

LS1-450

iTrader: (33)

You should avoid denting. Although, I just did my re-install & dented the pilot brg twice when the socket slipped; just be careful. You can use a wooden dowel, brass dowel, socket, whatever; as has been noted. x2 regarding the location of the closed end of the bearing; it goes toward the transmission (closed end is the flush end of the bearing).

lq4240sx

Should I grease this bearing or is it pre-greased?
When you mean placement your saying that the open side of the bearing (where you can see the inner and outer race) faces the crank/block and the closed side faces the trans right?

Mike454SS

iTrader: (4)

I actually get a little creative with a steering wheel puller (the 2 arm style) and some long bolts pushing on the socket to avoid hammering the pilot in...plus you can kinda get a feel for when it just won't go any more...the resistance on the wrench turning to push it in will be fairly smooth, and when the pilot bottoms out you'll suddenly feel a very dramatic increase in torque on the wrench...at which point you can just remove the puller, and bolt the flywheel/clutch on.

hiltsy855

iTrader: (35)

It's probably ok to add a little grease, just keep it inside the bearing. My pilot bearing had an o-ring seal, and that has to face the trans.

cowboysfan

is this a roller bearing.

hiltsy855

iTrader: (35)

Yes, it's a roller bearing with an o-ring seal at the back end.

cowboysfan

I just replaced my pilot bearing (roller) put 50k miles on it with no issues. installed a sleeve type bearing and you should hear like a thunk when it hits bottom, kinda tink sound if it has not. hope this helps.....

Bge9198

I just put a big washer over the bearing and hammered it in the hole using a 3/4'' extension over the washer. Went in even and unharmed.. would highly recommend that method