Role of the Release Bearing

A release bearing, usually referred to as a bearing used to disconnect the engine from the transmission in a gearbox, is mainly used in the clutch system of manual transmission vehicles. Release bearings play a vital role in the automotive driveline. The following is a detailed description of the role and working principle of the release bearing:

1. Ensure smooth engagement and gentle separation of the clutch: the release bearing can assist the clutch to achieve smooth engagement and gentle separation, reduce the wear and tear of the clutch and the whole transmission system, thus prolonging its service life.

2. Precisely controlling the connection and disconnection between the clutch and transmission: through precisely controlling the connection and disconnection between the clutch and transmission, the release bearing realises the fine control of automobile power transmission, which is of great significance in ensuring the safety and stability of automobile driving.

3. Transmitting thrust: when the driver depresses the clutch pedal, the release bearing can push against the diaphragm spring on the clutch pressure plate and push the pressure plate or driving disc to move towards the clutch housing, so as to achieve the separation of the clutch disc.

4. Disconnection of power transmission: When the driver depresses the clutch pedal, the release bearing pushes the clutch pressure plate and separates it from the clutch disc, thus disconnecting the power connection between the engine and the gearbox.

5. Shift operation: during the shift process, through the action of the release bearing, it enables the driver to smoothly engage different gears, avoiding the shock of shifting gears due to incomplete disconnection of power.

6. Protecting the transmission system: the release bearing can prevent the transmission system from being damaged due to improper operation (e.g. shifting gears without fully depressing the clutch).

7. Improve driving comfort: a good release bearing can reduce the vibration and noise during clutch operation and improve driving comfort.

Working Principle of Release Bearing

The working principle of the release bearing involves the control of power transmission between the clutch and the transmission, the specific process is as follows:

1. Installation position and structure: the release bearing is installed between the clutch and the transmission, and its seat is loosely fitted on the tubular extension of the bearing cover of the first shaft of the transmission. During the whole working process, the shoulder of the release bearing is always pressed by the return spring to ensure that it always keeps close contact with the release fork.

2. Working clearance: A clearance of 3~4mm is maintained between the release bearing and the end of the breakaway lever (breakaway finger) to ensure its smooth operation.

3. Power transmission control:

3.1 Depressing the clutch pedal: when the driver depresses the clutch pedal, the release bearing pushes the release lever forward, causing the clutch pressure plate to separate from the flywheel, thus cutting off power transmission from the engine.

3.2 Release the clutch pedal: when the driver releases the clutch pedal, the return spring pulls the release bearing back to its original position, causing the clutch pressure plate to re-engage with the flywheel and resuming power transmission.

 The operating process of the release bearing:

1. clutch pedal operation: when the driver depresses the clutch pedal, the pedal transmits force to the clutch assembly through a series of linkages or cable pulls.

2. Pushing the release bearing: This force causes the clutch release fork to push the release bearing, which in turn is pressed against the release finger of the clutch pressure plate.

3. Pressure disc movement: As the release bearing rotates and pushes, the clutch pressure disc is pushed back, releasing pressure on the clutch disc.

4. Power Disconnection: After the pressure between the pressure plate and the clutch disc is released, the friction between the clutch disc and the flywheel decreases and power transmission is disconnected.

5. Resumption of power transmission: When the driver releases the clutch pedal, the spring or other restoring force pushes the clutch pressure plate back to its original position, re-pressuring the clutch disc, and the engine power is once again transmitted to the gearbox.

In summary, the release bearing through precise control of the connection and disconnection between the clutch and transmission, the release bearing is an important component to ensure the normal operation of the clutch system of manual transmission vehicles, its performance directly affects the use of the clutch feeling and the life of the transmission system.