Just got a pilot bearing and seal for my 12a. Not sure how to orient the seal?
This car was an auto, I’m installing a 5 speed so no old ones to go by.
Seal go in first with rubber side facing rear or toward bearing?
Thanks

 

The bearing goes in the hole first, you lube the bearing LIGHTLY, then the seal goes on top of the bearing with the tapered portion facing the trans input shaft. This way, the shaft is guided by the seal into the bearing. If you overdo the lube on the bearing and seal, you'll get hydrostatic lock when you try to insert the transmission input shaft, which makes it impossible to mate the trans to the engine.

Also, don't hammer the bearing into place. Tap it lightly. It's delicate, and should go in smoothly so you don't damage the race.

 

Just so I’m clear, this side toward trans?

 

You want the tapered portion serving as an inlet for the trans input shaft. Think of it like providing a rubber "ramp" to help the trans input shaft to center up to the Pilot Bearing. In truth, it probably doesn't matter which way it goes in, as long as you have one in place. When the bearing grenades, the seal disintegrates, anyway. Here's my attempt at an ascii picture;

Transmission input shaft, Pilot Bearing Seal, and Pilot Bearing: □》□

 

Rubber toward the bearing (just like the ones on the brake rotors or the main seal on the back of the engine.

 

Thanks guys!