Clutch release bearing....

[terriphill]

OK, while the motor is out (again) I was wondering about replacing the clutch release bearing. I happen to have a brand new one that came with lots of other unordered unrequested parts. The one on the car look good, but the way my luck runs with this car....I was curious if I should repalce it. How hard is this? do I have to remove the entire clutch ousing cover or can I get away with just removing the operating lever. Special tools?

 

[zimmy]

easy, just remove the tranny from the motor, and there it is.....it just clips in.........zimmmy

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I'm thinking you'll need a press... or some creative work with a vice.

... but this is only an educated guess.

 

[zimmy]

im not sure on the 1500.....ive a 1275......z

 

[terriphill]

Never mind I just found it in the book and it specifically says it has to be pressed on. (18g 1279 press) I'm not sure I want to tackle this, but I'm curious....why replace it?

 

[jlaird]

If it's fine it's fine, move on, nothing to see here.

 

[terriphill]

Well I guess that means a new never used bearing for the swap!

 

[Morris]

Spin the bearing that you have. If it is loose or noisey, replace it. If not keep it. It's a small PITA to do now. But a major one once the motor is back in the car.

I *think* I used a piece of wood and a few light taps with a hammer to get mine on. Getting it off was the real trick. I *think* I secured the lever to a 2x4 and used a pulley puller on the bearing. My memory of that job is fuzzy, but I do remember a lot of cussing.

 

[DrEntropy]

For the effort it will require later to remove the engine, et al, it's a good idea to replace it now whether it appears to be good or not. You ~can~ do it mechanically, but it's a two minute job with a press. Take the bits to your engine guy and he'll likely do it "while you wait."

And consider the clutch assembly too... if original, that'd be a consideration. For the same reason.

 

[rjhorizon]

I have a 78 Midget and replaced the bearing. I did not use a commercial press to remove the bearing. Placed it between two pieces of steel on the bench so it was clear and used a piece of pipe tp punch the bearing off. Came off very nice and clean. Perhaps I was lucky?

 

[sparkydave]

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif If you have it apart now, might as well do it. It can be pressed off and installed with some improvising. The guy I took it to managed it with a press and a large impact socket.

 

[regularman]

I would replace it.

 

[bugimike]

And unless it is quite new, the clutch too!

 

[terriphill]

And consider the clutch assembly too... if original, that'd be a consideration. For the same reason.

New clutch assembly from moss already in place. I think that's where the bearing came from too. I bought it thinking the same thing...if its off or out, might as well replace it!

 

[jcatnite]

It's up to you bud but I think I would replace it. I did this about a year ago and it seemed to go well as I can't even remember any trouble with it at all. I'm sure I knocked it out and knocked it back in. Keep your beater on the inner race and all should be fine. I can't remember whether I took the pivot out of the clutch fork or not. Looks like you might need a puller if you don't based on the pic in the catalog. While I was in there I replaced the pin that holds the fork in the bell housing as well as the little corrugated sleeve that is supposed to hold the pin stationary in the fork. Hope this helps.
JC