Pilot bearing install question...
Pilot bearing install question... ...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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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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.
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.
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).
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 69
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From: NC
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?
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?
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.
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.
12 Second Club
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,498
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From: Corpus Christi
12 Second Club
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi
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.....
when it hits bottom, kinda tink sound if it has not. hope this helps..... 