Spigot bush lube?

I have a Td5 2000, and over the last 7 years I've had to change the spigot bush twice. Now it's screaming again so I'm looking at a third time. This time I will probably change out the whole clutch too. Anyhow, I'm wondering if anyone knows why the Td5s wear out their spigot bushes so fast, is it because the shaft is particularly long or because of degradation by dust and particles (I've heard both theories). Also, and more importantly, there seems to be conflicting info regarding the sintered bronze bush. They are auto-lubricated, but some people still say to soak them in engine oil overnight? Other say never do that, it shortens their lifespan. Also, some say use a dab of oil to insert and never grease, others say use a bit of grease. GAH! It's very confusing! AKAIK, my previous two spigot bushes were not pre-soaked or greased, and they sure don't last very long. To be certain, this is the piece I'm talking about.
Thanks for any info you can give me!
Tamara

Bronze is self lubricating, oil will not affect it, not that there is any in that area. I'd be concerned that you are wearing them out so fast though, try to get OE replacements if you can.

Soak in engine oil for at least 24 hours and you can use some lithium long life on assembly too

Dr_evil said:

Soak in engine oil for at least 24 hours and you can use some lithium long life on assembly too

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how does soaking in oil help?

Haha! Two conflicting answers right off the bat. Yes, the bronze is auto-lubricating, but it is also porous. That said, soaking it in oil or doing an oil press first can fill those pores. Still awaiting a definitive answer!

Thor1950 said:

how does soaking in oil help?

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The bush absorbs oil

Dr_evil said:

The bush absorbs oil

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only if it is .......SINTERED BRONZE - OIL IMPREGNATED. If regular cast bronze it won't The first is expensive, second is cheap in price comparision.

I doubt spigot bushes for Land rover are made from Sintered bronze

they shouldnt need any lube ,if there noisy its often that they are too tight , i regularly have to ream them to correct size

Thor1950 said:

only if it is .......SINTERED BRONZE - OIL IMPREGNATED. If regular cast bronze it won't The first is expensive, second is cheap in price comparision.

I doubt spigot bushes for Land rover are made from Sintered bronze

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All the ones I bought were oilite so a soak helps lube them up more

jamesmartin said:

they shouldnt need any lube ,if there noisy its often that they are too tight , i regularly have to ream them to correct size

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+1

Dr_evil said:

All the ones I bought were oilite so a soak helps lube them up more

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Then you must buy special ones and expensive ones then...... How many have you bought in your youth, and installed?

jamesmartin said:

they shouldnt need any lube ,if there noisy its often that they are too tight , i regularly have to ream them to correct size

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I think in my case it's not too tight. When first installed it's fine, then after a couple of years of heavy use they start to make the vibrating buzz sound, and this progresses into the louder screaming sound.

There are sure conflicting opinions re. lube with this teeny tiny part!

Tamara119 said:

I think in my case it's not too tight. When first installed it's fine, then after a couple of years of heavy use they start to make the vibrating buzz sound, and this progresses into the louder screaming sound.

There are sure conflicting opinions re. lube with this teeny tiny part!

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how is the throw out bearing? That is what it sounds like. only makes that noise when you use the clutch?

Thor1950 said:

how is the throw out bearing? That is what it sounds like. only makes that noise when you use the clutch?

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Pretty sure it's the bush. The noise is intermittent, worse when cold and usually as the clutch is engaging (releasing the pedal, though sometimes also when the pedal is depressed).

Tamara119 said:

Pretty sure it's the bush. The noise is intermittent, worse when cold and usually as the clutch is engaging (releasing the pedal, though sometimes also when the pedal is depressed).

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does it make noise when you do not have your foot on the clutch.

No, never. Also no troubles with any of the gears. Only when releasing the pedal or, less often, while depressing it.

Tamara119 said:

No, never. Also no troubles with any of the gears. Only when releasing the pedal or, less often, while depressing it.

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You just confirmed it then, throw out bearing. not spigot/pilot bushing

PS change the clutch fork at the same time

Thor1950 said:

You just confirmed it then, throw out bearing. not spigot/pilot bushing

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Interesting… I was certain that noise with the clutch pedal down is the bearing, while noise releasing (or depressing) the pedal is the bush. Also, last time we had it open to change the clutch we ended up changing only the spigot bush (replacement clutch parts couldn't get delivered in time due to a strike), and the noise went away.

Tamara119 said:

Interesting… I was certain that noise with the clutch pedal down is the bearing, while noise releasing (or depressing) the pedal is the bush. Also, last time we had it open to change the clutch we ended up changing only the spigot bush (replacement clutch parts couldn't get delivered in time due to a strike), and the noise went away.

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Lucky, you might of loosened a stuck bearing.

Ok, well, I'm planning to change the clutch in May, so I hope it lasts until then! However, searches here and in other forums sure turn up a lot of people with this same noise on their Td5s, and it's always the spigot bush. Apparently LR had issued some kind of report about this regarding Td5s. At any rate, I'll change both!

Thor1950 said:

You just confirmed it then, throw out bearing. not spigot/pilot bushing

PS change the clutch fork at the same time

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What's a "throw out bearing"