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Things You Should Know About Car Clutch Bearings

What Are Clutch Bearings?

The clutch release bearings are designed in such a way that they can engage as well as disengage the clutch in commercial vehicles. Friction is reduced in the bearings between the pressure plate levers and the release fork. There is a front cover which is made up of special heat-treated steel, for wear resistance during clutch engagement. There is an employment of special assembly and controls for cup caulking and closing with the front cover so that the relative rotation of the front cover can be prevented. They are fitted with a lot of special accessories so that the external contamination can be prevented.



Where Clutch Bearings Is Located?

This bearing is generally situated around the transmission input shaft at the back of the pressure plate. The friction would be decreased between the release fork and the clutch pressure plate levers, which would prevent them from wearing out. This can be done efficiently by lubricating the bearing.

Types Of Clutch Bearings

Are you searching for the different types of clutch bearings? Then don’t worry! All you have to do is to have a look below and then all your doubts regarding its types would be cleared.

 

  1. Ordinary (non-aligning) clutch release bearing - Generally, there are two main structural types of this product which are known as the stamping angular contact ball bearings with outer cover and angular contact ball bearings with rubber seal ring on one side. There would be a rotation of the outer ring of the bearing. This type of bearing would not be used alone and it should be used with a cast-iron sleeve.
  2. Self-aligning clutch release bearing assembly - It has the features of automatic aligning, long service life as well as lightweight. It also performs the function of reducing noise as well as wear and damage of the other supporting parts.

How Do Clutch Bearings Work?

Are you searching how do the clutch bearings actually work? Then all you have to do is to have a look below and then you will be able to understand everything.

 

The entire process of clutch would work with the clutch release bearing. It is its duty to allow the clutch to engage or disengage the engine. The bearing would then ride on the clutch spring and then the gearbox’s release mechanism would be connected to the pressure plate. Now once the clutch pedal would be pressed down, then the pressure plate would be engaged the clutch disc by the clutch release bearing. Now if the foot would be taken off the clutch pedal, then the clutch disc would be disengaged by the pressure plate.

Frequent Problems with Clutch Bearings

Frequent Problems with Clutch Bearings


Do you want to know some frequent problems which might start occurring in the clutch bearings? Take a look below to know some frequent problems with the clutch bearings:

 

  • There might be grooves on the inner ring of the clutch release bearing
  • There might be some heavy wear to the tips of the diaphragm spring
  • Issues related to handling and fitting precautions
  • There might be CSC filling and bleeding

Symptoms of Bad Clutch Bearings

There are a few things which might cause your clutch bearings to malfunction. Watch for the following symptoms if you suspect bad clutch bearings:

 

  1. Clutch Pedal Vibrations - When the clutch pedal is pressed down, then it would be a simple as well as smooth feeling. But if you would start feeling the vibrations which would come from the pedal, then it would mean that there are some faults in the clutch release bearing.
  2. Rattling Noises - If there would be some defects in the clutch release bearing, then it might start making some rattling noises. The rollers which would be on the bearing would be close together. But now if there would be a lot of emptiness between the rollers, then there would be occurrence of the rattling noises.
  3. Gear Shifting Issues - The shifting of the gear should be smooth and simple. If you would start facing some issues with the shifting gears, then make sure to inspect the clutch release bearing because it might have gone bad.
  4. The Clutch is Too Stiff - Just like a lot of parts of the transmission system, the clutch release bearing would be manufactured with special lubrication properties so that it can work smoothly for a long period of time. The lubrication properties would start wearing down as the bearing itself would wear down.

Tools Needed for Clutch Bearings

Are you thinking of repairing your Clutch Bearings on your own? Then there is one thing which you must have, that is the right tools needed for repairing your Clutch Bearings. It is essential to make sure that you are outfitted with the right tools to get the work done properly. Have a look at some tools which you might need to get started with your repair work: -


Top Brands for Clutch Bearings

When it comes to vehicle owner’s choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay a premium for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability as well as trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related with the quality. So have a look at some of the top brands for Clutch Bearings.


Skf Clutch Bearings

Dorman/Auto grade Clutch Bearings

Auto Extra Clutch Bearings

Dorman/Help Clutch Bearings

Related Parts of Clutch Bearings

It is very important to arm yourself with information before you shop any auto part. We are here to help you dive deep into the names of the Clutch Bearings related parts.


Total System Costs & Repair Times, Effort of Clutch Bearings

There are a lot of factors which should be considered when you are thinking of replacing clutch bearings. First you have to decide that if you require some related parts of clutch bearings or a whole clutch bearing. Then after that the next step is to decide what type of make as well as type of clutch bearings you are actually dealing with and then from where will you get a brand new one. Just keep in mind that a brand-new clutch bearing which would come from a warehouse would cost much more than the one you will get in a junkyard. After that the next point which should be considered is that from where you are going to get it replaced and how quickly it needs to be done. If you want to substitute your Clutch Bearing, then it would generally range between $765 to $1500. Talking about the parts, they would range between $360 and $720and the parts would be valued somewhere in the range of $370 and $800.

How to Change Clutch Bearings?

How to Change Clutch Bearings?


Do you want to change your clutch bearings on your own? Then have a look at the steps of changing the clutch bearings below:

 

Step 1

 

First of all, the car should be driven up on the wheel ramps and after that the parking brake should be set. The rear of the car should be jacked up and then it should be placed on the jack stands.

 

Step 2

 

The battery cables should then be disconnected from the battery. After that the driveshaft yoke ends should be marked for re-installation and then the drive shaft bolts should be loosened up. The drive shaft should then be removed and after that you should lay to the side.

 

Step 3

 

The transmission bolts should be loosened slightly and then the barrel floor jack should be placed with a block of wood under the engine oil pan and then the engine should be supported.

 

Step 4

 

Then the transmission jack should be placed under the transmission and then the holding straps should be placed around it. Carefully unscrew the bolts should be removed which would secure the clutch bell housing to the car engine crankcase.

 

Step 5

 

The transmission jack should be then lowered down so that the pressure can be allowed off the input shaft and then slide the transmission to rear for removal. Just keep in mind that you should not allow the weight of transmission to rest upon the input shaft while it would be engaged with the splines of the clutch plate.

 

Step 6

 

Inspect that none of the metal fingers, with the transmission should be removed, on the pressure plate are distorted or bent.

 

Step 7

 

The mounting bolts should be loosened a little at a time in a diagonal pattern so that the pressure plate is not distorted. If there would be turning of the flywheel, then there would be a need to insert the screwdriver in the starter motor opening and lodged in the flywheel teeth so that the movement can be restricted.

 

Step 8

 

The remaining bolts should be removed while the pressure plate would be supported. After that you should remove the pressure plate as well as the clutch disc. All the mating surfaces and the bearing area should be cleaned properly. Just be sure that all the dirt, oil and debris have been removed properly.

 

Step 9

 

The pressure plate should be inspected for any scoring, grooves and chips. Then the flywheel should also be checked for any rivet grooves, warping or gouging. All the surfaces should be very smooth. Just be sure that all the teeth on the flywheel should be in perfect shape.

 

Step 10

 

The release bearing should then be checked and then you can always restore it if it is worn. The pilot bearing should be checked for wear and then replace it if needed. A light coat of moly-base grease should be applied to the transmission input shaft.

 

Step 11

 

The rubber dust boot/cover should be removed from the withdrawal lever at the bell housing.

 

Step 12

 

The retainer spring clip assembly should be released and detached from the ball pivot in the bell housing. The withdrawal lever should be removed along with the clutch release bearing (throw-out bearing) as well as hub assembly. The withdrawal lever should be checked for cracks or damage. There might be a need to remove the bearing from the hub with a two or three jaw puller.

The new bearing should then be pressed in place, just be sure that the pressure should be put on the center of the bearing race. The reverse of disassembly is the reassembly. High-temperature grease should be applied to the recess of the release-bearing hub along with the pivot points of the withdrawal lever.

 

Warning: When the withdrawal lever would be reinstalled to the release bearing, then just be certain that the release bearing retaining spring clip assembly should be hooked over the ends of the withdrawal lever.

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John Framigllia
Technical Writer
Our technical writer is known for simplifying automotive parts and services. Intuitive with various vehicles and manufacturers, he knows how to simplify complicated problems.