New clutch release bearing completely detroyed ...

[Xte]

After complete restoration of my AH BJ8, I lost a lot of time removing again my gearbox after incapacity to disengage my clutch.
I was really surprised, all the clutch parts are new including the release bearing.
After dismantling, you can see below picture of the release bearing completely destroyed !!!! I drive only 300 miles with it !!!
I suppose it's a poor quality aftermarket product.

Which secured high quality release bearing do you recommand ? I really don't want to remove again my gearbox !!!

Thanks for your help ...

 

[Brinkerhoff]

I don't know about the parts but you look like you're running with the hydraulics pre loaded or you are riding the clutch. When everything is back together check to see if the clutch push rod is loose when your foot is off the clutch pedal , if its tight , that's your problem. The throw out bearings usually last 70K miles or so.

 

[Keoke]

I suppose it's a poor quality aftermarket product.

I think that is a fair assumption.

I had a similar experience with one years ago and it actually chewed up some of the cast metal housing. It hangs above my work bench till this day.
However, I think these are simply items that fall out side the normal Mean Time to Failure ,since I have not experienced it again in many years.

So just replace it

 

[Randy Forbes]

Also note that there was a different (depth from pivot fork to contact surface) release bearing for each of the three (3) types of clutch fitted to the 6-cylinder Healeys; be certain that you're installing the correct one for your diaphragm clutch pressure plate.

And to reiterate, yes, there MUST be some amount of free-play (some wiggle of the pivot fork) when all the hydraulic components are installed and bled.

With any (British) car using a graphite throw-out bearing, keep your foot off the clutch pedal as much as possible; when you stop at a light, put the trans in neutral and foot off the clutch_completely. Waiting in a long line of cars turning left (or right, as the case may be) trans in neutral and foot off the clutch. Any time you;re not moving away from being stopped, or changing between gears, foot off the clutch.

You may already know that, but for the benefit of those that don't

 

[British_Recovery]

Also remember that starting the car in neutral with your foot off the clutch allows the engine to spin much better. Too much resistance with the clutch depressed.
Bob