Guide to Replacing Throw Out Bearings

Replacing the throw out bearing (also known as “throw out bearing”) is a maintenance task that requires a certain amount of specialized knowledge and skill. The following are detailed steps and precautions to ensure safe operation and proper functioning of the clutch system.

 I. Preparation for Clutch Release Bearing Replacement

1. Ensure vehicle safety:

   - Park the vehicle on a flat, hard surface.

   - Use a jack to raise the vehicle and secure it with a safety stand to ensure that the vehicle will not slide down during operation.

   - Disconnect the negative terminal of the vehicle's battery to avoid accidentally starting the engine during maintenance.

2. Prepare tools and materials:

   - Tools: jacks, safety brackets, wrenches, screwdrivers, torque wrenches, special tools for clutches (e.g., throw out bearing puller), brushes, cleaners, etc.

   - Materials: new throw out bearing, grease (for non-sealed bearing), cleaning cloth, etc.

3. working environment:

   - Ensure that the work area is clean and tidy, and that there is enough space for operation.

   - Wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves and coveralls to prevent mechanical injury and chemical exposure.

II. Dismantle old throw out bearing

1. Remove tires:

   - Remove the drive wheels that need to be operated to access the clutch assembly.

2. remove transmission:

   - Depending on the model, it may be necessary to remove the transmission. Take care to mark the location and orientation of all connecting parts to facilitate reinstallation.

   - During removal, carefully handle the exhaust system and other related components to ensure they do not interfere with operation.

3. Locate the throw out bearing:

   - Locate the throw out bearing located between the clutch pressure plate and the flywheel, usually behind the clutch pressure plate or attached to the transmission.

4. Remove the old throw out bearing:

   - Using an appropriate tool, such as a blind bearing puller, carefully remove the old throw out bearing to avoid damage to other parts.

   - If the bearing is stuck, tap gently or use a lubricant to help loosen it.

5. Clean the mounting location:

   - Clean the mounting location of the throw out bearing to ensure it is free of contaminants and oil. Clean thoroughly with a brush and cleaner to ensure that the new bearing can be installed correctly.

 III. Installing the new throw out bearing

1. Lubricate the new bearing:

   - For non-sealed bearings, apply an appropriate amount of special grease before installation to ensure that they can work smoothly. For sealed bearings, no additional lubrication is usually needed, but still need to check whether the seal is intact.

2. Install the new throw out bearing:

   - Install the new throw out bearing in the correct position, making sure it fits well with other parts (e.g., platen, transmission, etc.).

   - Make sure the bearing is oriented correctly and is securely mounted to avoid subsequent problems caused by incorrect mounting.

3. Reassembly:

   - Reinstall all components, including the transmission, clutch pressure plate, friction plates and tires, in the reverse order of disassembly.

   - Use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts to the manufacturer's recommended torque values to ensure that all connections are tight and evenly applied.

 Adjusting and testing throw out bearing

1. Adjust clutch pedal free travel:

   - After completing the installation, check and adjust the free travel of the clutch pedal to ensure that the clearance between the throw out bearing and the release lever is in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended standard (usually 0.5~1.5mm).

   - Use a suitable tool to make the adjustment and double check to ensure that the adjustment is accurate.

2. Test operation:

   - Reconnect the battery, start the engine, perform operations such as shifting gears and starting, and check whether the clutch is smooth and free from abnormal noise or jamming.

   - If any abnormality or problem is found, stop the operation immediately and check the possible causes, readjust or replace the related parts if necessary.

 v. Replacing throw out bearing Precautions

1. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines:

   - Always follow the vehicle manufacturer's service manuals and recommendations during the replacement process to ensure correct operation at every step.

2. Use specialized tools:

   - Use the appropriate specialized tools to avoid injury or damage to the part caused by the use of unsuitable tools.

3. Step-by-step disassembly and restoration:

   - During disassembly, pay attention to marking and recording the position and direction of each part to ensure that it can be reset correctly when reinstalled.

4. Maintain Cleanliness and Lubrication:

   - Ensure that the work area and components are clean to prevent contaminants from entering the clutch system. For non-sealed bearings, lubricate properly, but not excessively, to avoid affecting clutch performance.

5. Regular maintenance:

   - After replacement, check the working condition of the clutch regularly to ensure that it is clean and well lubricated, so that problems can be found and solved in time to prolong its service life.

6. Seek professional help:

   - If you are not familiar with the process or do not have the proper tools and equipment, it is recommended to seek the help of professional maintenance personnel to ensure safety and correctness.

 To summarize

Replacing the clutch release bearing (throw out bearing) is a highly technical repair job that involves several complex steps. Careful preparation, strict adherence to operating procedures and attention to safety will ensure that the replacement process goes smoothly and that the clutch system works properly. If you do not have the relevant experience and tools, it is advisable to seek the help of a service professional to avoid potential risks and problems.