When a clutch release bearing is damaged, while you may still be able to drive your vehicle in the short term, doing so can lead to more serious consequences. Here are a few key points:

1. strange noises: a damaged release bearing may produce noises such as rustling or squeaking when the clutch pedal is depressed, indicating that the bearing is worn internally.

2. Difficulty in shifting gears: A faulty release bearing will affect the normal release of the clutch, resulting in uneven shifting or difficulty in shifting gears, affecting driving experience and safety.

3. Accelerated wear and tear: Continued use may cause accelerated wear and tear of other related parts such as the clutch pressure plate and clutch disc, increasing maintenance costs.

4. Safety hazards: In extreme cases, complete failure of the release bearing may prevent the clutch from functioning properly, affecting power transmission, and in severe cases, may result in inability to shift gears, affecting vehicle control.

5. Difficulty in driving: Poor clutch engagement, increased frustration in driving, and even problems in starting and shifting gears may occur.

Therefore, although the basic movement of the vehicle may not be affected in the short term, in the long term, the release bearing should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the vehicle and to ensure driving safety.

What should the driver do when the release bearing is damaged?

When the release bearing is damaged, the driver should take the following steps:

1. Pay immediate attention to the symptoms: Watch out for unusual sounds when the clutch pedal is pressed, such as rustling or metallic friction, and if it becomes difficult to shift gears.

2. Drive cautiously: minimize the use of the clutch and avoid semi-coupling during the journey to the service point to minimize further damage to the damaged bearing.

3. Professional Inspection: Take your vehicle to a professional automotive repair store as soon as possible to have it inspected by a technician. They will usually determine the condition of the release bearing by checking the free travel of the clutch pedal and the actual operation.

4. Replacement of release bearing: Once it is confirmed that the release bearing is damaged, it should be replaced with a new one. Make sure the replacement bearing matches the original specification and is installed by a professional.

5. Adjust the clutch system: after replacement, the free travel of the clutch pedal needs to be adjusted to ensure that the clutch can be properly disengaged and engaged.

6. Improve driving habits: Avoid half-pressing the clutch for a long period of time to minimize unnecessary pressure on the release bearing in order to prolong its service life.

7. Regular maintenance: Incorporate checking and lubricating the clutch system into your daily maintenance program to prevent possible problems in the future.

Remember, safety comes first and do not ignore any potential vehicle problems, especially those involving the transmission system.

What should drivers do to prevent release bearing damage during routine use?

In order to prevent clutch release bearing damage, drivers should take the following measures in daily use:

1. Operate the clutch correctly:

   - Avoid prolonged semi-coupled condition, i.e. do not keep your foot on the clutch pedal for a long time without shifting gears.

   - Operate the clutch quickly and smoothly when shifting gears to reduce unnecessary pressure and wear.

2. Maintain proper free travel:

   - Regularly check the free travel of the clutch pedal to ensure that it is within the recommended range (usually 30-40mm) to ensure proper clearance between the release bearing and the release lever.

3. Avoid unnecessary clutch usage:

   - The foot should be taken off the clutch pedal when there is no need to shift gears to minimize unnecessary work on the release bearing.

4. Regular maintenance:

   - The clutch system should be professionally inspected on a regular basis, including lubrication of the release bearing, to ensure that it is working properly.

5. Pay attention to driving habits:

   - Avoid habitually half-pressing the clutch when turning or decelerating, which will increase the heat load and wear of the bearing.

6. Repair in time:

   - Once you find the clutch operating abnormally, such as noise or difficulty in shifting gears, you should check it immediately to prevent small problems from turning into big failures.

7. Adapt to vehicle characteristics:

   - For vehicles with over-adjusted freewheeling travel, timely adjustments should be made to ensure that the clutch can be fully disengaged and to reduce abnormal loads on the release bearing.

By taking these precautions, the service life of the clutch release bearing can be significantly extended and the cost and inconvenience of repairs due to damage can be reduced.

In summary, although a vehicle can still be driven after damage to the clutch release bearing, prolonged or high-speed driving may aggravate the wear and tear of the clutch and transmission system, and even lead to more serious failures. Therefore, vehicle owners are advised to have the clutch release bearing serviced and replaced by a professional workshop in a timely manner when they find it faulty.

This is because the clutch release bearing plays a vital role in the clutch system, which ensures that the clutch can engage smoothly, release gently, and reduce wear and tear, thus prolonging the service life of the clutch and the entire transmission system.