exedy stage 2 pilot bushing doesn't fit...

[SilviaSR20DET]

Hey guys, i got a slight problem with the pilot bushing provided with my clutch kit and it seems as though no matter how hard i pound it, it won't go in all the way. Also, the alignment tool didn't fit inside the bushing but it fit fine when i tried it out prior to installation. Did i receive a wrong bushing? The kit i order is a 06953A February 1994 to February 1996 Nissan 240SX (DOHC), my car is made january of 96 as stated on the side of the driver door. someone help please!

[Markdawg20]

I dunno. Try greasing up the pilot bushing and hole little and cleaning out old corrosion and shit in the hole. Pound it in with a hammer, and I think a 14mm socket fits perfect.

[SoSideways]

Were you doing an auto to manual conversion?

Because if you were, did you get the pilot bushing for the auto tranny off of the crank before you tried to put the new stuff in?

[SilviaSR20DET]

my car is a 5 speed to begin with and whats funny is the bushing that came with my kit seems a bit more thicker then the stock oem one that i had in the hole. But the alignment tool fit perfectly fine through both of them. Could it be that i was pounding it in the whole incorrectly? I also took the old one out which fit fine with the alignment tool when it was in the hole. im freakin frustrated..

[SoSideways]

Hmm... are you certain that the engine that's in your car is the original engine?

You might have needed the 06953B kit.

It's always kinda iffy when you're talking about the first/last production date month...

In either case, if I were you, I'd call Exedy and see what they can do for you. Or call the people that you got the clutch from.

[SilviaSR20DET]

im pretty certain that the owner of the car i bought it from had the original engine. It was in excellent condition inside and out when i bought it a 5 years ago and had 32k miles. I posted this topic in another forum and they say that its from pounding too hard on the pilot bushing that caused it to mushroomed but im going to nissan dealer today to pick up some oem ones. Just wondering, all clutches should fit fine right regardless of the part number for the KA24DE? I really dont want to send back my clutch kit to get it replaced.

[SoSideways]

For whatever reason, Nissan kept switching the TOB and I think the pilot bushing around as they went through the different model changes, which is why if you looked at Exedy's site, the 06953A and 06953B part numbers kinda leap frogs in terms of years they were designed for.

Everything else in the kit is the exact same, the only differences are the TOB and pilot bushings.

Best thing to do is just to pick up an OEM one, and when you install it, lightly tap it in, in a uniform manner. Try using a socket or something to put on the bushing, that way when you tap it with a hammer, you're tapping it in a flat, uniform fashion, so it does not go in crooked.

[sbc]

Yeah I would say it got mushroomed considering it is such a soft material. Anyways they cost about $5 and you can get them anywhere so I wouldnt worry too much.

You could also just take a small round file and take down the outside edge/burr a bit.

[RedStage]

put the thing in the freezer for a couple of hours prior to doing the install....
works like a charm...trust me, no BS. The freezer will allow the metal to contract (make it smaller) and it will slide right in.

even if you have the right pilot bearing this trick will save you much frustration.
Tapping it in can cause the pilot bearing to warp.

If memory serves PB's are cheap. Usually order two at a minimum just in case.

[SoSideways]

Could also use a little bit of grease to make life easier.

[SochBAT]

In this case, I'd just soak that bushing in oil for a bit (its poreous) and have it sit. Then position it, tap it slowly with a mallet (rubber head) and use a socket to help guide it.

Done and done.

[SilviaSR20DET]

Well i tried tapping it as far as i could but it eventually stopped going in farther. Everything is back on and almost ready to hit the road. thanks everybody!