BY ENGINE/4age/spigots
From AE86 Driving Club FAQ
Spigot bearings for 4A engines
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 desinged 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 suplier and ask for a "6001 bearing". Also make sure it is not a chinese made bearing. Japanese bearings are some of the best.
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 peice 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 wth greae, insert rod and hit with a hammer and repeat till it moves. The theory being that the force of the grease pushes the bearing out. Special bearing pullers are available but they are expensive.
Instalation of a new bearing: Under no circimstances 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.
Article and all pictures by Sam_Q [[1]]
Please let me know if you have any suggestions or additional information/pictures that may be of use.
