[bsevans]

The couple of times I've changed my clutch, I have found that the shielded 6202bearing used as a pilot bearing has been in sad shape and needed replacing every time. What I noticed the most is the degradation which appeared to be due to a loss of grease in the bearing and dirt. This loss of grease is understandable because it is a shielded bearing which will allow small particles of dirt in and at the right temperature the viscosity of the grease will fall allowing it to migrate past the shield. The standard 6202 shielded and/or sealed bearing is rated to a max temperature of 250 degrees F.
I know that there is a Chevy self-oiling pilot bushing that is a direct replacement for the 6202. I went another route. I went to SKF and found a high temperature sealed bearing that should last quite a while. Since it is sealed, there will be no intrusion of contaminants during a water crossing and I do like to puddle jump. Here is the part number and specs.
6202-2RS2/C4S1VT119
2 Viton seals (400 degrees F)
C4 clearance for expansion
Rings and balls are heat treated for 400 degree F operation
VT119 stands for Klueber 400 degree grease
13,000 rpm rated
ABEC 5
$38.00
Made in Europe
Stocked in USA

[Poser]

Nice info.


I would not think of replacing a clutch and not installing a new pilot bearing....


But that is probably just me.

[John Smith]

Where were you able to source this bearing? Reason I ask is that it is not on the Applied Technologie's Web site and the only thing Google brings up is Russian / Eastern Block sites and not many at that. I was able to find it on the SKF site though.

When I did my clutch last year the bearing I pulled out was not sealed but still in very good condition but the one I put in to replace it was sealed and I believe it was a Koyo I sourced from SOR.

[bsevans]

Originally Posted by Poser

Nice info.


I would not think of replacing a clutch and not installing a new pilot bearing....
But that is probably just me.

I understand what your saying. However, if the bearing shows no sign of degradation when I replace the clutch next time (Lord willing I'm still kicking), I will keep running it.

Originally Posted by John Smith

Where were you able to source this bearing? Reason I ask is that it is not on the Applied Technologie's Web site and the only thing Google brings up is Russian / Eastern Block sites and not many at that. I was able to find it on the SKF site though.

When I did my clutch last year the bearing I pulled out was not sealed but still in very good condition but the one I put in to replace it was sealed and I believe it was a Koyo I sourced from SOR.

I purchased the bearing through a bearing house here in Tucson (Bearing, Belt & Chain) that is one of the two local distributors for SKF. I talked at length with an SKF Application Engineer before placing my order. SKF showed that they had quite a few in stock on the shelf in their Tenn. warehouse. With shipping, the total cost was $46.

In all honesty, I'm doing this to see just how much difference this bearing will make. Besides the improved temperature specifications the bearing has a higher precision rating. The 6202 bearing you get from Toyota and the aftermarket houses like SOR may have an ABEC 1 rating at best and SKF said this bearing has an ABEC 5 rating.

For visual comparison, the first photo shows the high temp 6202 ABEC-5 on the left and a 6202 ABEC-1 250 degree F sealed bearing on the right (available from McMaster Carr). The second photo adds a shielded ABEC-1 bearing (also available from McMaster Carr). The last photo shows the factory bearing on the lower left.

[Fast Eddy]

I'd always replace it anyway. What's the normal one cost? $5? It shouldn't incur that much wear. It doesn't turn when you're in gear. At least, the whole thing turns together, like a chunk, not doing bearing duty.

[bsevans]

Originally Posted by Fast Eddy

I'd always replace it anyway. What's the normal one cost? $5? It shouldn't incur that much wear. It doesn't turn when you're in gear. At least, the whole thing turns together, like a chunk, not doing bearing duty.

I find the normal 6202 to be less than acceptable. When I do a clutch job and the pilot bearing is wasted every time, I start looking for alternatives that will give me warm fuzzies that the bearing will still be up to spec when I do my next clutch job. I'm going to experiment and try a better 6202 because I do not want to put the same class of bearing in again. If this bearing feels as smooth then as it does now whats the point of changing it. Do you change out the bearings in your tranny and transfer case every time you do a clutch job? I understand why Chevy uses a bushing instead of a bearing.

[Poser]

How about a version of this high end bearing to replace this pilot bearing:


BCA Federal mogul bearing


202-RRE

[metalonmetal]

geez, i just replaced mine when i did the clutch. i'll have to keep this in mind though for next time, hopefully not in a long time.

[Cruzerman]

Wouldn't even think of going through all the work of putting in a new clutch and not replace the pilot bearing and the rear main seal. JMHO.

[bsevans]

Originally Posted by Poser

How about a version of this high end bearing to replace this pilot bearing:


BCA Federal mogul bearing


202-RRE

It will take a few days, as there is no on line catalog for the series I listed.

[bsevans]

Originally Posted by Poser

How about a version of this high end bearing to replace this pilot bearing:


BCA Federal mogul bearing


202-RRE

They are looking for a bearing that has similar characteristics (Viton seals, heat treated and high temp grease) that is 15mm ID x 35 mm OD x 22.5 mm width.

[John Smith]

Will the vitron seal hold up as well as a metal one? I am thinking no, but I don't know much about bearings.

[bsevans]

Originally Posted by John Smith

Will the vitron seal hold up as well as a metal one? I am thinking no, but I don't know much about bearings.

What are you refering to when you say "hold up"?

[bsevans]

Originally Posted by Poser

How about a version of this high end bearing to replace this pilot bearing:
BCA Federal mogul bearing
202-RRE

Sorry Poser, There does not appear to be a high temp version. The bearing house said that bearing does not cross over to other manufacturers like SKF.

[Dirtsquirt]

the metal face bearings are Shielded. not sealed.
the intent is to keep big chunks out.
Sealed will keep out fine dust and water (when new)