pilot bearing install question...felt?

[vintage_car]

In front of the pilot bearing there is a felt circular piece and then a cap...is there anything between the felt and the bearing? It seems to me that the felt would just burn up with the spinning portion of the bearing against it?

[jimk]

The felt came with an open bearing and stored some of the lubricant in the grease. The bearing doen't turn when the clutch is engaged. If you are installing a sealed bearing the felt doesn't do much.

[Emyers]

Jim is correct, the felt was used to help capture the grease in the open bearing and the metal cap protected the felt, like a dust cover. Neither are needed if you have installed a sealed pilot bearing.