<VV> Clutch Pilot Bushing Question

[HallGrenn at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/24/2009 10:07:44 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
62vair at gmail.com writes:

My  clutch kit from Fort Wayne Clutch was a oillite. I installed it just  a
month ago. I'd be concerned about straight brass, but the needle bearing  is
a good one. Hadn't thought of that. In theory, the reason they use a  cheap
oillite is that the amount of actual time the shaft is stationary and  the
flywheel is turning is small, only when you are sitting somewhere with  the
clutch in, or shifting, so there should not be alot of wear, I can see  that
a needle bearing designed to run for long periods of time is a great  idea. 


A few years back I thought the same thing until people with more experience 
 on VV set me straight.  The Oillite bearing is softer than your shaft--the 
 needle bearing isn't.  When the Oillite goes bad you get squeal.  When  
the needle bearing goes bad you get squeal (and other noises) and  a torn up 
shaft.  I think I've still got a new, unused needle bearing  on the shelf if 
anyone wants to buy it.....  But I've decided to stick to  the Oillite 
throwout bearing.
 
Bob