Pilot bearings

wildthings · Post by **wildthings** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 1:00 am

Its not unusual to find that a pilot bearing on a Type 4 is at the point of failure when an engine is pulled. As I'm getting ready to build up an engine for a 83 Vanagon and would like to eliminate the pilot bearing as a point of potential failure, does anyone know if there are any bronze or oilite bushing available off the shelf to replace the stock bearing? Can anyone give me any input as to why this wouldn't be a good idea?

Chris Percival · Post by **Chris Percival** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 4:01 am

You can get bronze bushes here in the UK, but they never last as long as the bearings. They wear quickly and will cause your gearbox to leak. Personally I have never heard about the bearings causing trouble...

IMPI · Post by **IMPI** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:24 am

I have rarely seen one of those bearings go Usually the result of an poor install or lack of lubrication The same bearing is also used on most of the VW production line Passats Golfs all have it
No need for a bush
Regards
Armand

Bobby74 · Post by **Bobby74** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:38 pm

If the bearing is carefully packed with a good grease, there is no reason it should fail. If it does fail, pack the whole end of the crank with grease (full) and tap a input shaft from a bus trans in the crank. That will pop the bearing out pretty easily, the pressure from the grease pushes the bearing out.

MASSIVE TYPE IV · Post by **MASSIVE TYPE IV** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:58 pm

I'm with Impi..

I have seen one go for 321K and still be good.