I am replacing the pilot bearing on my 85 F-250 2WD with a 300/4.9 motor and need to know if the pilot bearing has to be lubricated. I purchased a cheap clutch set from the Zone and the pilot bearing does not seem to be lubricated at all. I have asked a couple of people that say yes, pack a little wheel bearing grease in it, but not to much. Is this correct, or is there a better choice?

 

That's what I would do. Just a little smear. I am not sure, but I would guess it's an oil-lite bushing that has lubrication built in, but a little dab extra can't hurt.

 

What does your Chiltons say?

 

if the inside of the pilot bearing looks porous, don't grease it, it will clog the pores and the oil won't be able to lubricate the bearing, and it will will fail early

so no on the grease IMO

 

I wouldn't grease it. If you over grease it wouldn't it come out and head up onto the clutch and flywheel surface?

 

I've always pre-lubed them with White Lithium. Even when replacing something from the 40's. The only time the bushing is used is when ya are sitting in gear with the clutch in an engine running like at a stop light. Or for a split second when shifting. So unless ya sit at a light for a few minutes with the trans in gear the bushing never gets hot. And heat kills. So shifting to neutral at a long light will give the bushing the longest life and may well outlast the rest of the rig. It's main function is to support the input shaft and the weight of the clutch. If it needed to serve as a brg than there would be a brg there instead of a bushing. Setting for just a minute or so with the clutch in is hard on a lot of parts.

 

It does not say anything other than to remove it if you are going to replace it, here is the link: http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/0a/8d/5e/0900823d800a8d5e/repairInfoPages.htm

 

There is a bearing in there, not a bushing. Thanks for the input.

 

D8TZ7600A .. Pilot Bushing - NEEDLE (bearing) Type = fits ALL 1980/89 F100/350's. Also fits ALL 1973/79 F100/350's except with 360/390 engines.


Ford List Price = $18.73

 

Sorry my Bad. The brg should be sealed and already greased.
If it is as Bill said than I would grease the needle brg.

 

I thought so also, but if I stick my fingure in there and rub it around it remains dry, that is why I believe a little grease would be appropriate, not to much so it spins out and goes where it shouldn't.

 

You were right.

I thought about it, and edited my post...it's a sealed bearing...also used 1973/79 exc on 360/390 equipped trucks.

 

I've only ever seen a bushing or a sealed brg. When I think of a needle brg I think of one like is used on the front spindle on 4X4's.

 

Basically the same thing...can't remember what those were called...T something bearings...torkson, torkinson, torrington or something like that. (not timken)

 

I just called the Ford dealer and he said it would not hurt to put a little grease on it, so I guess that is what I will do unless someone replies that has a definite yes or no answer. Thanks to all!