Needle Bearing for 3/8 Pitch Chainsaw Clutch Drum

This chainsaw clutch needle bearing fits inside the clutch drum on saws running 3/8 inch pitch chain, letting the drum spin freely on the crankshaft when the clutch is disengaged. A worn bearing causes drum wobble, heat and early wear, and it can damage the crankshaft.

Why the bearing matters

The clutch drum spins on this bearing whenever the engine is idling and the chain is stopped. Once it wears, the drum can wobble, run hot, or chatter, and the chain may creep at idle. Over time a bad bearing wears the crankshaft as well.

Grease it lightly at regular service intervals, especially on saws that idle a lot.

Old listings sometimes say 3/8 gauge, but 3/8 inch is a chain pitch, not a gauge. This bearing is used with clutch drums for 3/8 pitch chain on many saws. Bearing size depends on the saw's crankshaft and the drum, not just the chain pitch, so check your saw model before ordering. A new bearing is cheap insurance whenever you replace the clutch drum or rim sprocket.

Fitting tips

Remove the bar, chain and clutch to reach the drum. Slide the old bearing off the crank, clean the area, and fit the new one with a little grease. Check the drum and sprocket for wear, and replace them if needed.

Wipe the crank clean before fitting, use a light coat of grease rather than heavy packing, and make sure the drum spins freely once the clutch is back on.

Confirm the bearing fits your saw model, since crankshaft and drum sizes vary. More parts are in our chainsaw parts section.