transwiz

iTrader: (26)

I am installing a new flywheel,pressure plate,disc,and slave cylinder because slave is shot.Removed the old pilot bearing with a slide hammer.I attempted to install a new pilot bearing and it didn't want to go in more than half way.I was pounding and pounding and it would not move. I had bad feelings about it all (seemed like it wasn't going to go in all the way). I pulled the new one out and it looked like it had some ridges from the install.

What should I do? I never had this problem when I did my old 327 blocks.Can you put something on it to make it slippery. Should I lightly sand the hole were it goes in.I figured I would leave it alone until I figured it out. I did some searches.What do I need to do?

dgcustomz

iTrader: (127)

If you can, post a pic of the crank pilot hole and also the bearing you are attempting to install so that we can see if there is something you are missing.

BALLSS

given the pounding and now ridge on the bearing I would get a new one. Mic the new one and then crank. "generally" there is about .003 oversize on the bearing. you can use some emery cloth on the inside of the crank to open it up some.

Not sure if there is a "slight" difference in what GM bearing is vs alternate brands and if there is a slight OD size difference.

I have seen aftermarket cranks have "slight" variance in pilot bearing hole being larger than stock requiring using shim stock around the bearing, green loc tite or getting the bearing knurled at a machine shop.

I use a large wood dowel to install the pilot with a hammer. Should take a few whacks but not "beating" on it to get it in

NolaTA

iTrader: (4)

When installing my pilot bearing I froze it overnight, I probably gave it about 10 to 12 good taps and it went in no problem. I'd definitely get a new one and try it again.

transwiz

iTrader: (26)

I went to the dealer and got a new one( $25.00 ) and it fit a lot better.I used a washer and a 6" 1/2" drive extension and pounded it in. Problem solved.

ForcedCompression

Did you guys have a hard time getting the trans back on after you replaced the pilot bearing? Mine just didn't wanna go in and I gave it some love taps with a dead blow to get it together. Kinda been worried about my new pilot bearing though, I'm hoping I didn't damage it.

transwiz

iTrader: (26)

Getting the tranny back in was a huge pain in the ***. It didn't want to go in. You need to really move it around and get a friend to help you . I think it' so hard because it is really heavy.

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

And it's very awkward because it is so heavy in the tail shaft. There are YouTube videos that start out showing how easy it is to get the t56 on an ls1 that end up with the guy shutting off the video and restarting it with "ok got the trans in". Struggling with it is typical

brigade24

agreed. I have since invested in trans jack...and i use an old input shaft to lineup the clutch disc. transmission goes in way easier...

M4N14C

iTrader: (3)

Yep a tranny jack helps A LOT. I see guys saying you just "bench the T-56 and slide it into place"

transwiz

iTrader: (26)

Yep, you don't want to do the clutch without a tranny jack.It is a must.