Thrust bearings 2pc vs. 6 pc.

[Kudagra]

So Im reading on the whoretex and I come across this thread..

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2832725&page=1

Do we have the same problems with ours?

I have a 2 peice set sitting on top of my ready block (waiting on main studs) but I dont want to put them in if Im just going to have problems.

[Dr. Diesel]

never EVER use a 2 piece thrust bearing. Utter crap! It'll scrap your (knife edged, balanced, nitrided and shot peened) crankshaft faster than you can say "wow, this car is------ was fast." :x

ok, maybe not that fast, but faster than it'll take you to go through a tank of fuel. :evil:

[Kudagra]

Oh boy...Im glad I asked. Guess Im buying another set.  Doesnt Myke_w sell engine parts?

[935racer]

The 6 piece ones are definitely better, I used to use the 2 piece bearings, they aren't too bad if you actually measure the thrust and make sure everything is in spec, I always used to wack both ends of the crank with a rubber mallet to move the crank and than remeasure the thrust. And in that vortex thread, IMO its not the surface area at all that has anything to do with the bearings being better, its just the fact that the thrust parts of the bearing aren't attached so they can move without damaging the main journal/cap.

[fatmobile]

I started a post about this, with pictures and I think fspGTD mentioned  that holding the clutch in when starting puts pressure on this bearing, when there is no oil pressure.
 Heavy duty pressure plates put even more pressure on them if starting with the clutch pressed.
 I notice the vortex link mentioned only having wear on the clutch side.
 Do a search using fatmobile as author.
 After discussing this, I taught myself the habbit of always starting it without pressing on the clutch,... out of gear.