Re: Crankshaft Pilot Bearing

[C2slayman@domain.elided]

Jason,
       Normally, the pilot bushing is replaced during a clutch job.  If the 
old pilot bearing meets the dimensional spec in the manual (don't have mine 
with me right now), it's OK to reuse.  But for ~$10 dollars, do you want to 
risk having to pull the transmisson to replace it at a later date?  Common 
wisdom is to replace the pressure plate/disc/throw-out bearing/pilot bearing 
as a set.  It's more mental insurance than anything else. (Personally, I like 
sanity even though I'm a three time Alfa owner - seems like a contradiction. 
Huh!)  But in a pinch (ie your broken down in the middle of nowhere and can't 
get a new pilot bearing, you can use the old one to get back on the road.
       I does not require any lubrication (that would only end up on the 
friction disc and glaze it).
       Keep in mind that if the pilot bushing goes out of dimensional spec, 
it will cause premature wear of the transmission input shaft (VERY 
EXPENSIVE), excessive loading on the transmission input bearing (due to 
excess wobble) and fracturing of the disc hub (again due to excessive wobble).
       Based on my recent '89 Spider clutch experience, I would strongly 
recommend checking the input bearing to the transmission when you do a clutch 
job.  If the input bearing goes, it will cause premature wear of the pilot 
bushing and fracturing of the disc hub (kind of the reverse of the pilot 
bearing failure).  If either one starts to go, your in big trouble.  So why 
take chances?  But it's your car and your choices.

Cheers,
Charlie

In a message dated 07/17/2002 10:07:43 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:


> Date: Wed, 17 Jul 2002 15:54:44 +0000
> From: jason.glover@domain.elided
> Subject: Crankshaft Pilot Bearing
> 
> How crucial is it to replace the crankshaft pilot bearing 
> when doing a clutch job? To be more specific, when does 
> one need to replace it, or when is it worn out? Also, does 
> it need to be lubricated with something when the tranny 
> goes back in? Thanks.
> 
> Jason Glover
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