How to find the right Automotive Performance Clutch Pilot Bushings AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Automotive Performance Clutch Pilot Bushings
- Dimensions
- The outside diameter must press-fit into the crankshaft bore, and the inside diameter must match the pilot tip of the transmission input shaft A loose fit spins in the crank, and a tight inside diameter binds the input shaft and causes grinding and hard shifts.
- Bushing vs roller bearing
- Oil-impregnated bronze bushings suit stock-type use, while roller or needle pilot bearings suit high RPM or where the application specifies them The choice affects heat, wear and input-shaft centring at high RPM.
- Lubrication
- Do not over-grease an oil-impregnated bronze bushing, and follow the manufacturer's instruction on lubricating roller types Excess grease can fling onto the clutch disc and cause slipping or chatter.
- Engine and transmission combination
- For swaps and automatic-to-manual conversions, choose the bushing for that exact crank and transmission pairing Cranks from automatic cars often have a different or unmachined pilot bore.
- Input shaft condition
- Inspect the input shaft pilot tip for scoring before installing A worn tip quickly destroys a new bushing.
Brands that matter
- Timken: Bearing maker that supplies pilot bearings and bushings.
- National: Long-running bearing and bushing line.
- ACT (Advanced Clutch Technology): Often includes the pilot bearing or bushing in its clutch kits.
- Centerforce: Pilot bearings for domestic performance applications.
- McLeod Racing: Pilot bearings and bushings for swap and conversion combinations.
- Ford Performance: Pilot bearings for Ford engine swaps.
What to avoid
- Hammering a new bushing in crooked or using a damaged driver
- Reusing the old pilot bushing during a clutch job
- Generic bushings without listed dimensions for swaps
Questions
How do I remove an old pilot bushing?
Use a slide-hammer pilot bearing puller. The hydraulic method also works: pack the bore with grease and drive a snug-fitting rod in to push the bushing out.