[JFP in PA]

The idea of punching a hole in the oil pump end of the shaft and using a roller bearing has already been "monetized" by more than one company offering retrofits. Problem with the idea is using a hammer and sharpened punch to put a correctly sized opening in the pump end is at best questionable, as is the need for a roller bearing, which has no better a load carrying capacity than a ceramic hybrid ball bearing unit, but the roller bearing is capable of generating more internal heat, which is not a good thing. The hole punch approach also requires an oil pump drive shaft with a notch ground into it for oil passage, which significantly weakens an already weak component.

As for controlling oil migration into the shaft, two solutions for that already exist: A hybrid ceramic ball bearing unit with no rear seal. but with a very good seal on the shaft side. Oiled by the mist inside the rear of the sump, oil does not enter the shaft. We have seen multiples of this design, which when removed from the shaft after tens of thousands of miles found no oil inside the shaft. Second approach is to insert a freeze type plug into the shaft before installation of the retrofit bearing, which totally seals the shaft from the bearing side. Works very well, and is also patented and commercially available, as is the ceramic hybrid with no rear seal.