Pilot Bearing

The pilot bearing or bushing is pressed into the end of the crankshaft to support the end of the transmission input shaft (Figure 10-7). The pilot bearing is a solid bronze bushing, but it also may be a roller or ball bearing. The end of the transmission input shaft has a small journal machined on its end. This journal slides inside the pilot bearing. The pilot bearing prevents the transmission shaft and clutch disc from wobbling up and down when the clutch is released. It also assists the input shaft center the disc on the flywheel.