27 replies to this topic

[pat slattery]

Is the pilot bearing necessary. We have had 2-3 over the years become destroyed and damaged the clutch.

Pat

[davew]

Yes it is needed. You will destroy the trans without it.

Dave

[Qik Nip]

Anybody else experienced the failure of the dust seal in these that I've seen (multiple times)? Every time I pull the transmission the bearing's dust shield is history. I'd assumed that I was damaging it when the input shaft was going in, but the last time I even pulled the transmission back out to check and it was intact. Dollars to donughts, it's be gone when I see it the next time!
Rick

[FTodaro]

There is nothing supporting the input shaft but the main bearing in the front of the bell housing, if you could imagine all the pressure on one bearing 3/4 of the way down the shaft. As Dave said, not only do you need one but a good one at that.

[davew]

I just told the same thing to Pat on the phone.

I have tried many brands of pilot brgs. SKF, Timken, Dorman, mazda etc. None seem to be any better than the others. If you are having consitent problems, check to make sure the brg fits snuggly into the flywheel and that your input shaft is not worn.

My theory is that the constant hi rpm shifts are the culprit. So either stop shifting at hi rpms or expect failures

Dave

[pat slattery]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

Pat

[FTodaro]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

Pat

Pat if I knew you guys had transmission problems at the track this past weekend, I had a spare tranny sitting in my trailer.................

[Jim Drago]

Is the pilot bearing necessary. We have had 2-3 over the years become destroyed and damaged the clutch.

Pat

Pat
Not saying you did this. But i see it often. You have to make sure the trans pulls in over the dowels and thumps against engine. Many start bolts and pul it in, I have never seen anything good happen that way. I will start bolts sometimes and shake until it pops on, but never pull it in with the bolts

[Glenn]

Pat
Not saying you did this. But i see it often. You have to make sure the trans pulls in over the dowels and thumps against engine. Many start bolts and pul it in, I have never seen anything good happen that way. I will start bolts sometimes and shake until it pops on, but never pull it in with the bolts

I have a visual of Jim laying on his back in the mud at the track, installing a gearbox

[Jim Drago]

I have a visual of Jim laying on his back in the mud at the track, installing a gearbox

nope.. If I am changing a gear box at this point myself in the dry, let alone in the mud. I am spectating!

[dstevens]

nope.. If I am changing a gear box at this point myself in the dry, let alone in the mud. I am spectating!

Don't your have pit slave boys to do that sort of work for you?.......

[Jim Drago]

Don't your have pit slave boys to do that sort of work for you?.......

The last one Jamie tucker and Autoteknik guys changed for me in Atlanta in about 30 minutes last May, that was hot and after a morning warmup with maybe 45-60 minutes before the race. Pretty awesome!

[Andrew Charbonneau]

do not forget when the poilot b is stuck or frozen its a bitch to get out when hanking on tranny make sure you are clear took one on the head at seabring wow that one hurt and still have the scare

thats why i only fix canival pins in the car now jeff and cory does it all

[Keith Novak]

Mine started making a wizzing/hissing noise before it started acting up. It only did it hot like when waiting for the scales after a session. When I pulled it out it seemed that all the grease had gone out of the bearings. Friction free but very life limited. I'm taking that wizzing noise as a warning sign for the future that it needs a replacement.

[Brendan O]

It took some hard hits with a rubber hammer to get my pilot bearing in my new flywheel. At one point, I used a socket that was very close to the steel outer ring but still resting on the "dust shield". My tranny is sitting on a table. When i put flywheel on shaft of tranny and spin the flywheel while looking at the pilot bearing, there is a definite asymmetric wobble to the appearance of the dust shield as it goes around.

How does one know if the pilot bearing is damaged? The inner ring seems to spin ok and i don't hear anything grinding. But i really did whack it with the hammer and socket.

thanks

[Jim Boemler]

They're cheap, I'd replace that one -- it's not worth pulling the whole thing apart again. Don't ever pound on an inside bearing except via the outer race.

[Brendan O]

ok - thanks

[Jim Boemler]

BTW, it shouldn't take much to remove or replace the pilot bearing. Some I could take out with my pinkie, and most would push in by hand, A couple could use a piece of wood. Point is, I'm surprised you're having to pound the bearing in with anything.

[Brendan O]

Maybe i started it crooked? obviously did something wrong. I will get a new bearing and do it more carefully this time. Is Mazda pilot bearing best or are they all the same?

thanks again

[dstevens]

You can get the same Koyo at any commercial auto parts supply. I got mine for under 6 bucks out the door.