If you drive a car, truck, or SUV with a manual transmission, you may have heard the term “pilot bearing” or “pilot bushing” before. At Autoworks in Ithaca, we know that the first step to keeping your vehicle maintained is knowing something about how it works. Here’s some helpful information on the pilot bearing, and how to know if yours needs to be replaced.

The pilot bearing is a small, simple bearing, in between the engine and transmission. However, it has an extremely important job to perform. The pilot bearing holds the input shaft on your transmission steady, meaning it essentially ensures that the main shaft that turns your transmission stays where it’s supposed to.

When a pilot bearing begins to wear out, certain symptoms arise. A whirring sound when the clutch is engaged may indicate a failing pilot bearing. If the noise stops when you depress the pedal and starts when you release the pedal, the pilot bearing is likely at fault. Another issue you may experience is a transmission that pops out of any gear or is difficult to push into first gear or reverse from a stop. Since the shaft that runs into the transmission is free to move around when the pilot bearing is worn, the gears won’t line up or engage correctly inside the transmission, causing shifting difficulties. A bad pilot bearing should be taken seriously; if neglected, a failed bearing can destroy an entire transmission.

Your pilot bearing should be replaced any time a clutch component is replaced. The bearing itself is inexpensive and simple to install, but the process of getting to it can be extremely time-consuming. Therefore, it’s better to have it replaced just in case, whenever the transmission has to be removed from the vehicle.

If your pilot bearing is causing problems, and for all of your other transmission repair and maintenance needs, our professional technicians have you covered. For the best transmission service shop in Ithaca, call or stop by Autoworks today.

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Thank you for visiting Autoworks in Ithaca, NY. Count on our automotive repair technicians to keep your car, truck, suv, or van on the roads longer and safer.

Schedule your appointment today (607) 277-9989 or REQUEST APPOINTMENT HERE.