Throw out bearing

[Mike Przano]

Hello all,
I had to pull my T-10 to do some maintnance and when I did the throw out bearing came off of the fork. Now I'm ready to put the tranny back in and can't recall how the bearing fits into the fork. There are "ears" on the ends of the fork, does the bearing outer ring go between the ears? BTW, the engine is 283/230 on a 61.
Thanks
Mike

[Roy Braatz]

Re: Throw out bearing

The fork ears as you call them go in the thro-out bearing groove,were the fork arms fit IN on the thr-out bearing, they take the chatter away.

[John H.]

Re: Throw out bearing

This is a shining example of poor design - it fits the wrong way; if you capture the rear flange on the bearing with the curled ends of the fork (instead of putting both the fork and the spring in the groove where they belong), after you get it all back together you won't be able to achieve proper clutch adjustment/free play and you get to do it all over again. I see them reguarly.

[Mike Przano]

Re: Throw out bearing

I tried putting the curled ends and the fork tips both into the groove but the
bearing falls off the fork real easy as your installing the tranny shaft so I thought that the spring curled ends captured the flange to hold it rigid. As you said, poor design.
Thank you guys.

[Jim T.]

Re: Throw out bearing

If you have not already put it together Mike, the throwout bearing requires grease lubrication before its installed. This lubrication will decrease wear of the fork contact with the bearing and provide lubrication for the bearing to move on the transmission shaft. This lubrication is in addition to the factory lubrication of the sealed bearing.

[Mike Przano]

Re: Throw out bearing

Thanks Jim, I will do that right now so I won't forget.
Mike

[John H.]

Re: Throw out bearing

The O.D. groove (all three surfaces) get lube, the groove on the I.D. of the hole through the bearing gets lube, and put a light film on the O.D. of the trans front bearing retainer sleeve. This application calls for gray hi-temp moly lube - NAPA has it.

[Doug Flaten]

Re: Throw out bearing

Eighteen years ago, the first time I tore into my clutch, the bearing had disintegrated, so I too tried to assemble the way you spoke of, holding the flange with the springs. However, as mentioned the tips and springs slip in the large groove. My fork tips and springs were also worn and the bearing was held loosely. You might consider replacing the fork. Proper fit should take out some slop in the clutch linkage and should make it easier to adjust properly. I wouldn't doubt if GM is still making them.

[Mike Przano]

Re: Throw out bearing

Thanks Doug,
I believe replacing the fork as you suggested is the right thing to do. It feels like the tension of the spring on one side is about half of the other. My as well go all the way so I won't be on my back under the car again doing everything all over.
Mike