I have a JDM B18C and while I was attempting to put the new clutch and flywheel on I noticed that the pilot bearing that came with the Exedy clutch kit wouldn't fit in the opening on the end of the crankshaft. However, Carquest handed me the same bearing when I asked for one about an hour later. So I started thinking, is the JDM crankshaft different than the USDM version? From the end of the JDM one, it appears it takes a bushing and NOT a bearing for the input shaft. Can anyone confirm this? If this is the case, where can I get the correct busing?

 

Anyone?

 

The pilot bearing is mounted inside the flywheel, not the actual crankshaft. Are you sure your sticking it in the right place? Seeya.

 

I'm going to resist making a bad joke here and just check to see if I have things lined up the way they should. This is the first time I've ever worked on anything internal on my car, so please forgive my newbieness. h:

So if I understand what you are saying, the bearing sits in the middle of the flywheel and against the end of the crankshaft? Then the input shaft goes through the center of the pilot bearing? Am I even close?

 

Ha ha, yes the pilot bearing rides in the center of the flywheel. The input shaft connects to the clutch assembly through the splines on the shaft and the end rides on the pilot bearing that is actually resting inside the flywheel. Does the pilot bearing you have fit in the flywheel or is that what you were talking about? Are you sure you have the right flywheel? Seeya.

 

Andy,

You are the man! I inspected the components and realized you are absolutely correct. The bearing, with a little bit of finesse, fits into the center of the flywheel. It appears all is well. Now to put this beast together and drop it into my car. Mark this in the "learning experiences" column.

Thanks, Andy!

Would you happen to know whether you can reuse head bolts or not? I've heard that some bolts are not to be used again, but if I can use them safely, it'd be better than forking over $7-11 dollars a piece for those buggers.

 

Ha ha, glad I could help. We all learn as we go. What flywheel did you get? I bought a clutchmasters when I did my clutch/flywheel and it came with a pilot bearing but the new flywheel (also CM) already had one installed. I just put it in a safe place and save it for later, probably need it someday.

I would not reuse the head bolts. Those things are torqued to around 80 ft/lbs and put under an incredible amount of stress. They're designed to stretch slightly when fully torqued to keep everything nice and tight. They only stretch once though and then may not hold correctly after one use. I would replace them. It's not going to be cheap, but neither is a blown headgasket and warped head because they didn't hold. Depending on how crazy you plan to go, you might consider ARP head bolts or even studs. Seeya.