Pilot bearing or bushing, is one better than the other?
Pilot bearing or bushing, is one better than the other? 
09-05-2009, 09:42 PM
#2
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I decided to go with a bushing after my factory bearing kamikazed itself and damaged my input shaft. Ideally a bearing is the better of the two due to less friction but they come apart too often. My buddy's came apart on his 98 SS and bound his input shaft in the crank. Every time he'd go to crank it the car would start bucking across the parking lot. The bushing is made out of a softer metal than the input shaft, so if something goes wrong your trans will most likely be OK and you'll have to buy another 3 dollar bushing.
09-06-2009, 03:04 PM
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A few months ago when I pulled my trans to change my clutch I found a the remnant of the bearing, that explained the bad vibe I was having, I got it out and used the bronze bushing from a 69 camaro. $2.06 from local parts store, I have had no problems with it.
09-06-2009, 03:54 PM
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Normally the SDPC LS7 kits are shipped with all bolts and bearings.
Not sure about the aluminum kit.
If the trans is installed correctly, there should not be an issue with the OEM pilot bearing.
If the OEM style pilot bearing does fail somehow, it's better to see a symptom and replace a
bearing as opposed to ruining your transmission.
.
Not sure about the aluminum kit.
If the trans is installed correctly, there should not be an issue with the OEM pilot bearing.
If the OEM style pilot bearing does fail somehow, it's better to see a symptom and replace a
bearing as opposed to ruining your transmission.
.
09-07-2009, 08:49 AM
#7
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No reason to ever go with a bushing.
Bearing is the only way to go.
last time I checked, they did not put "bushings" in rear ends or transmissions or front hubs etc....they use bearings. I have been doing this for over 25 years, and the ONLY time I have seen a Pilot Bearing fail was a 250K Mile one in a Fox Body 5.0.
Bearing is the only way to go.
last time I checked, they did not put "bushings" in rear ends or transmissions or front hubs etc....they use bearings. I have been doing this for over 25 years, and the ONLY time I have seen a Pilot Bearing fail was a 250K Mile one in a Fox Body 5.0.
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09-07-2009, 09:11 AM
#8
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Replace with factory bearing, only pilots i have seen go were due to the concentricity of the bell housing or trans being incorrect(means there is an improper angle on either when installed)
10-02-2009, 04:59 PM
#9
I put a actual bronze pilot bushing in my car 10,000 miles ago because the original needle bearing was nothing but dust (105k miles). Most the bushings are bronze coated steel but some places sell the actual bronze bushing. After 10,000 miles mine had bored it self out pretty good and was causing all sorts of hell. Going to reinstall a pilot bearing like is stated. For a DD an actual bronze bushing is a terrible idea.
10-02-2009, 06:08 PM
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Pilot bearings are junk, go with a bushing, they are self lubricating, the problem with pilot bearings are they WILL dry out and then slow the input shaft speed down compared to the output shaft speed and then you will get grinding in 1st, 2nd or all gears, which in trade can cost you even more money in the end, I've seen it dozons of times.
