Purpose:
A spigot bearing is a
bearing that
fits into the end of the crankshaft and locates the end of a gearbox
shaft, this is to stop flex in the shaft thus keeping everything
aligned.
Conversions:
All 4AGE engines in a east-west setup have no installed spigot bearing,
such as all front wheel drive installations and rear engined
installations, these engine have gearboxes that are designed to not
need one. However when any 4A engine is converted to a front engine
rear wheel drive installation a spigot bearing is needed to be
installed, there is a machined recess in all 4A cranks for this so its
just a matter of purchasing the bearing and installing it.
Purchasing and type:
By far the cheapest option is to go to a bearing supplier and ask for a
"6001-RS or 6001-2RS bearing". Also make sure it is not a Chinese made
bearing. NSK and Nachi are some of the best in the business.
Removal of an
existing bearing:
There are a few tricks in the removal of the original bearing but the
most common method is to find a piece of rod that fits into the spot
hole very tightly (a half inch socket drive extension that has been cut
off often fits), then pack with grease or paper mache, insert rod and
hit with a
hammer and repeat till it moves. The theory being that the force of the
grease/paper pushes the bearing out. Special bearing pullers are
available
but they are expensive.
Here is an instructional video on
the wet paper method:
Installation
of a new bearing:
Under no circumstances should a new bearing be pushed in from the
center, it must only be done from the outer shell. An easy option to
use a socket that has the same outside diameter as the bearing, place
it over the bearing and then gently tap it into place.
Purchase:
4AGE compatiable spigot bearings are now available for sale though this site. Please see here for further details.
