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Joined: Tue Dec 5th, 2017
Location: Michigan, USA
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Sometimes the Bearing Type Pilot Bearing, will deform if not installed evenly and with a tool that is designed to hold the bearings in place while driving the bearing in place. It always helps to have the right tool, check out if there is a specialty tool for the job.
Yes, I see this as entirely possible. Here's why:
I recently had the transmission out of my 2.3 Ranger beater for another issue. While I was there, I installed a new slave cylinder, clutch, pressure plate and pilot bearing. Here's where it gets good. At some point in its former life, some Neanderthal had reinstalled the trans without any needles in the pilot bearing case! So the trans input shaft was bearing directly on the lip of the then-empty bearing shell. Surprisingly enough, the shaft was still usable and is working fine with a new needle pilot bearing in place. I have no idea how long it was like that but I have owned the truck for over 2 years so it was at least that long.
What's the point? Just this. The clearance between the bearing case lip and the input shaft is so small that it can function more or less as a bearing, as least in the short term. If that lip is driven in by the wrong tool, it could easily deform and make the hole too small for the pilot shaft.
I'd measure shaft and bearing to make sure this hasn't happened.
Last edited on Tue May 29th, 2018 05:23 pm by V8 Level II
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2003 FX4 Level II, Supercharged 5.0L V8, Headers, Duals, BW4406 manual T/C
Aussie Locker, Torsen L/S, 4.10's, Bilstein 7100 rezzies, Cadillac/Mustang rear discs, Duff traction bars
Keypad Entry, Lock LEDs, sway bar discos, Heated seats, Explorer EATC, Trip Computer and consoles
Other rides:
2016 C-MAX Energi (plug-in Hybrid)
2011 Taurus SEL (highway cruiser)
2003 Ranger 2.3L M5ODR1 Regular Cab (drudge)