Clutch Replacement

[RedTR3]

While my TR3 gearbox is out for repair, I also want to replace my clutch and T/O bearing. Should I also replace the pressure plate? I notice Moss has a 3-piece kit but I don't know if it is necessary.

 

[TR3driver]

My opinion : Don't replace the pressure plate (or the TOB for that matter) unless there is something detectably wrong with it.

If there is a problem with the PP (like the friction surface is discolored), you might want to get the flywheel surfaced as well.

 

[RedTR3]

Hi Randall,

I am curious why you recommend not to replace the TOB as long as the gearbox is out - (I am not sure of the age of the bearing)

Tim

 

[Geo Hahn]

Don't know Randall's reasoning but I had a replacement TOB fail after 5,000 miles. Fortunately I had saved the old one (it was the original), reinstalled it and has been fine for 5 or 6 years now.

 

[toysrrus]

Howdy Folks,

In all my years of playing with LBCs & "Other" cars; It was "ALWAYS" recommended to replace all "3pcs" when redoing a clutch.

I did mine just a few months ago but I have`nt driven the car as of yet (Under Restoration) & I forgot where I bought the 3pcs kit from? It was one of the "BIG 3".

If anything would fail within 5K mi; I sure would be awfully "Pis__ed-Off".

Regards, Russ

 

[lbcs_r_fun]

I agree. The cost of the parts is insignificant compared with the labor and aggravation, IMO.

T

 

[Marvin Gruber]

I have to stay with Randall. If you have a good working clutch, continue to use it. Some of the new "kits" just don't last or work. Do inspect the existing clutch for wear. Look at the arms were the TOB runs. If worn replace. Clutch plate, if the rivets are close to the surface, change it. TOB rattles or dry sounding replace it.

Marv

 

[RedTR3]

OK, I am not exactly sure what the sound of a bad T/O bearing is, but mine does have a high pitch whine when depressed - not real loud but noticeable. Is this normal?

 

[TR4nut]

OK, I am not exactly sure what the sound of a bad T/O bearing is, but mine does have a high pitch whine when depressed - not real loud but noticeable. Is this normal?

My opinion, but I would replace the bearing if you are hearing noise. At least for the TR3-4 range of cars I don't believe there has been significant issues on quality of replacement bearings. TR4A-6 yes though. I think Geo may have just been unlucky!

p.s edit: I'm either very unlucky or it happens all too frequently: if you change out the bearing make sure it is the one for the TR3-4. I've pulled 3 gearboxes in recent memory - 2 out of 3 had the later style TR4A-6 bearing, and those same 2 had ruined pressure plates because the fingers had worn down from the wrong bearing.

 

[TR3driver]

Definitely if it is making noise, replace it. A simple test off the car is to lay the face on the floor and stand on the bearing. Do a pirouette; any roughness or resistance is reason to replace the bearing.

But the only TR TOB failure I've ever had in some 35 years was a replacement (of unknown origin) that got installed by accident. The originals seem to last forever.

Which kind of makes sense if you think about how little work that bearing does. It turns only when your foot is on the clutch, and carries only a few hundred pounds of force.