The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Pilot Bushing

I'm replacing the clutch in my truck and will be installing a new pilot bushing in the end of the crank. Should the bushing be driven in flush with the bore in the crankshaft? The one I removed was not flush and stuck out just a little over 1/8 of an inch.

there should not be any un-supported bushing areas.
so the bushing should be inserted fully and supported fully

i've seen one or two like that. i wondered if they worked out or what i think they were still tight. when i have inatalled them i always put them back flush.

The bushing appears to be the original one and was not flush. It was tight, tight, tight. I had no room to use a slide hammer. The replacement bushing cost me $3, the tool to remove the old bushing cost me $80. The local parts store loaned me a puller but the chinese steel on the arms bent and the bushing didn't budge.

There is a lot written in this forum about getting the bushing out. The easiest way is to fill the busing with heavy grease and use an old clutch gear, hit the gear with a BFH. As it starts to come out put in some more grease in it and it will hydraulic out.
Fred

I tried that off and on for almost a week and it didn't work. I finally gave up when the BFH bounced back and hit me between the eyes. I looked like a racoon.

BUT the cleanest way to do it is use wet toilet paper instead of grease & you can use a socket w/an extention on it or a wooden dowel. I use to use the grease method until a friend told me about using wet toilet paper...Joe

I use an air chisel or a hammer & chisel & split it. The puller will pull it out then. I usually leave it stick out a little. I figure there is a little more brg surface that way. You can,t do it using a T-5 though.

the grease or tp method is good for some, i didn't have luck at it and it made a big mess. the easiest way i found is tap the bushing i think i used a 5/8 nc tap and thread in a long bolt and push it out. i busted a chinese pilot puller too one time sparks flew like flint rock. try the greese or tp method. i think the grease didn't work for me because the puller actually cut channels in the bushing as it came out before it busted. i was still able to tap it though. it's real simple and no mess. good luck, hr

I've used the wheel bearing grease method many times and it has never failed me. I have a 4 lb. short handle sledge hammer that works like a charm. Use a transmission jackshaft that fits the pilot bearing nice and tight and it WILL work if you use the grease and BFH. Hit it like you mean for it to come out and it will. Never has tken me more than 5 minutes including installing the new pilot bearing.

Procedure 1. Removal of Pilot Bushing.
Addendum (a) Avoid striking human body parts with BFH during this procedure.
Addendum (b) Seek medical attention in the event of the foregoing.
Fred