Pilot bearing install depth

Pete_89T2 · 05-04-2015, 06:57 PM

I can't seem to find any specs in the '89 FSM that tells you how deep into the E-shaft that the pilot bearing is supposed to be installed. Does anyone know?

I just had to yank my transmission because the pilot bearing failed; since it came out in pieces (inner race & needle bearings at least), I can't really be sure it was installed correctly to begin with.

I suppose I can buy the special tool Mazda has that makes installing the pilot bearing an idiot-proof, no measurement affair, but I'd much rather just slowly tap it in using a suitable sized socket or bearing driver I already have, and take measurements until it's in far enough.

JL1RX7 · 05-04-2015, 07:14 PM

It should "just slide right in with some lube." That being said it will sit about the same depth as seal and bearing itself. Give or take a scosh.

chibikougan · 05-04-2015, 07:37 PM

You feel in there you can kinda feel where the G spot is...

Kinda has its own land. Give it a tickle around in there with your pinky!

RETed · 05-04-2015, 07:49 PM

There's no official spec on this from Mazda...

My rule of thumb is to use the width of the pilot bearing *seal* as the amount of space you want to see from the end of (the chamfer) of the hole in the back end of the eccentric shaft to the seal itself.
Of course, the pilot bearing itself is under the seal.

I have heard of people banging the pilot bearing all the way down until it stops, and this has worked for them...

-Ted

chibikougan · 05-04-2015, 07:52 PM

Banging lets not get all crazy here.

I think you could use the clutch alignment tool to mebbe?

Edit: Ehhh might be a little short...

"Thats what she said" Stupid office...

Pete_89T2 · 05-04-2015, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RETed

My rule of thumb is to use the width of the pilot bearing *seal* as the amount of space you want to see from the end of (the chamfer) of the hole in the back end of the eccentric shaft to the seal itself.
Of course, the pilot bearing itself is under the seal.

This is about where the old one was installed; just in deep enough so that with the seal against the bearing, the seal sat flush with the chamfered edge of the hole. Thanks!

C. Ludwig · 05-05-2015, 05:33 AM

If you use the Mazda SST to install them, it ends up right where Ted describes.

05-04-2015, 06:57 PM	#1
Pete_89T2 Lifetime Rotorhead Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Elkton, MD Posts: 874 Rep Power: 16	Pilot bearing install depth I can't seem to find any specs in the '89 FSM that tells you how deep into the E-shaft that the pilot bearing is supposed to be installed. Does anyone know? I just had to yank my transmission because the pilot bearing failed; since it came out in pieces (inner race & needle bearings at least), I can't really be sure it was installed correctly to begin with. I suppose I can buy the special tool Mazda has that makes installing the pilot bearing an idiot-proof, no measurement affair, but I'd much rather just slowly tap it in using a suitable sized socket or bearing driver I already have, and take measurements until it's in far enough.

05-05-2015, 05:33 AM	#7
C. Ludwig Rotary Masochist Join Date: May 2008 Location: Floyds Knobs, IN Posts: 494 Rep Power: 18	If you use the Mazda SST to install them, it ends up right where Ted describes. __________________ _______________________________________________ *One stop Haltech, AEM, Syvecs shopping. Installation and tuning.* http://www.lms-efi.com *Free support. Drop us an email.* chris@lms-efi.com 502-515-7482 Facebook @LMS-EFI

05-04-2015, 07:14 PM	#2
JL1RX7 Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Front Royal, VA Posts: 487 Rep Power: 18	It should "just slide right in with some lube." That being said it will sit about the same depth as seal and bearing itself. Give or take a scosh.