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Former Member
Send PMManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
[QUOTE=jp75vette] Is the pilot with a bearing worth looking at?[/QUOTE]
I hope someone with experience will answer that question, I saw one the other day (a roller pilot bearing) and wondered if it would outlast the bushing style or just cause a problem prematurely. I too have that job to do and it would be great to upgrade.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22720
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The bearing styles are much better, in terms of less friction, and more precise location of the shaft, but they will do more damage to the input shaft once they take a dump.
Is it worth the trouble of changing from a bushing to a bearing? Not really...the bushings work really well, for a lot of miles, with no problems....as long as they are installed correctly...meaning NO GREASE OR OIL on them when installed.
The bronze pilot bushings are made with an oil impregnated(you heard me...) material, that needs NO lubrication. If you put a little dab(or a big blob) of grease on them, what that does is "cook" into the surface of the bushing, an essentially block the oil in the bushing from being released, which makes the bushing dry, which in turn wears it and the input shaft pilot out really quick.
Is it worth the trouble of changing from a bushing to a bearing? Not really...the bushings work really well, for a lot of miles, with no problems....as long as they are installed correctly...meaning NO GREASE OR OIL on them when installed.
The bronze pilot bushings are made with an oil impregnated(you heard me...) material, that needs NO lubrication. If you put a little dab(or a big blob) of grease on them, what that does is "cook" into the surface of the bushing, an essentially block the oil in the bushing from being released, which makes the bushing dry, which in turn wears it and the input shaft pilot out really quick.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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