Clutch release bearing is a vital component in the automobile transmission system, its main function is to ensure the smooth separation between the clutch pressure plate and the slave plate during the clutch operation, so as to realize the power disconnection between the engine and the transmission system. The following is a detailed explanation of the clutch release bearing:

Clutch release bearing definition:

A clutch release bearing is a thrust bearing, often referred to as a “clutch poppet disk”. When the clutch pedal is pressed down, it moves the pressure plate or drive disk toward the clutch housing by taking the thrust from the spring, and completes the clutch release work.

Clutch Release Bearing Location

The clutch release bearing is located behind the clutch pressure plate and is mounted on the wave fork of the transmission. Specifically, the release bearing housing is loosely fitted to the tubular extension of the transmission's first shaft bearing cover. When the driver depresses the clutch pedal, the release bearing pushes against the diaphragm spring on the clutch pressure plate, allowing the clutch plates to disengage. As a result, engine power is not transmitted to the transmission, allowing for smooth starting and shifting of the vehicle.

- Mounting position: The release bearing is mounted between the clutch and transmission, specifically, the release bearing housing is loosely fitted to the tubular extension of the transmission's first shaft bearing cover.

- Return spring: Through the action of the return spring, the convex shoulder of the release bearing is always pressed against the release fork and backed up to its final position, maintaining a clearance of about 3~4mm with the end of the release lever (release finger).

 Clutch release bearing working principle

- Power release stage: When the driver depresses the clutch pedal, through a series of lever mechanism, the clutch release bearing starts to be stressed and move along the axial direction. At this time, the inner ring of the bearing pushes the lever of the pressure plate, which makes the pressure plate overcome the spring pressure and move backward, making the gap between the pressure plate and the slave plate, thus releasing the pressure on the slave plate and realizing the power separation between the engine and the transmission system.

- Power engagement stage: after releasing the clutch pedal, under the action of the return spring, the pressure plate is reset forward to re-pressure the driven disc, and at the same time, the clutch release bearing stops pushing and returns to the initial position. At this time, the power of the engine is transferred to the transmission input shaft through the flywheel, pressure plate and driven disk to complete the power engagement.

 Performance requirements

- Flexible movement: the release bearing should move flexibly without sharp noise or stalling phenomenon to ensure smooth operation.

- Axial clearance: its axial clearance shall not exceed 0.60mm, the inner seat ring wear shall not exceed 0.30mm, in order to ensure the normal working condition of the release bearing.

 Role of clutch release bearing

- Eliminate direct friction: When the clutch is pressed, the release bearing can eliminate the direct friction between the clutch pressure plate and fork, reduce heat and resistance, and protect the clutch assembly.

- Power transmission control: the clutch release bearing plays a key role in clutch operation, by controlling the slip between the engine and transmission, it allows us to easily connect the rotating engine to the non-rotating transmission, realizing smooth power transmission or disconnection.

- Smooth Separation and Engagement: The release bearing ensures that the clutch can smoothly separate and engage, reducing wear and prolonging the service life of the clutch and the entire transmission system.

In summary, the clutch release bearing is an important part of the clutch system, and its position and role are crucial to the normal operation of the vehicle. The working conditions of the clutch release bearing are harsh, intermittent high-speed rotation and bear high-speed friction, high temperature, poor lubrication conditions, no cooling conditions. Therefore, proper use and regular maintenance are essential to maintain its performance.