I believe I read some negative feedback in the archives regarding the throwout bearing that comes with the LUK clutch sets, with regard to it being made partly of plastic. I have an original, all steel Delco. Has anyone had any problems using the one that comes with the kit, and is there any problem using the one that I have?
-
-
Re: LUK CLUTCH SET THROWOUT BEARING
Rob-----
First of all, I would NEVER recommend re-using an old clutch release bearing. They should almost always be replaced whenever you have the clutch out.
As far as the new design bearings go, I've never used one myself as of yet. Would I? Yes, I would. This type of clutch release bearing is becoming pervasive, including many Delco bearings. A company like LUK/Sachs which is part of ZF Industries and the largest manufacturer of clutches in the world has probably learned a little something about clutch release bearings over the years. I believe that the design of these bearings is the result of PROGRESS in the field, rather than a REGRESS for the purpose of saving a few cents on the manufacture of each bearing. Of course, there may be a cost savings in manufacturing these bearings, but that doesn't necessarily equate to an inferior bearing. In this case, I doubt that it does.
There are still some "all metal" bearings available in the aftermarket. The chances are they are the "last vestiges" of old technology, but you should be able to get one if you check around a little bit.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: LUK CLUTCH SET THROWOUT BEARING
Joe....the bearing I have is new in the Delco box. I would use it if there was some advantage over the one that comes with the kit, otherwise I'll use the one it comes with.Comment
-
Re: LUK CLUTCH SET THROWOUT BEARING
Rob------
I think that you could use either one with no problem, at all. I don't think that there's any real advantage here to the Delco item. Aren't the two pretty much configured the same?In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: LUK CLUTCH SET THROWOUT BEARING-Rob
Rob,
I recently replaced my '56 clutch assembly with a Carquest W0 4-515 three finger Borg & Beck type clutch kit. I believe the kit manufacturer was LUK/sach. It came with an all steel throwout bearing. It also came with a pilot bearing. This I did not (know to) check with a magnet. I do have minor bearing squeel when a cold clutch is close to the floorboard. This is either one of the two bearings not liking something. May wear in and in time go away. The new pilot bearing required about .010 turned off the OD to achieve the same OD as the original p bearing I removed. The original came out VERY hard. Used a slide puller and really had to slam on it. FWTW dept. from the '50's through the '70's I don't recall hearing or reading anything about always replacing the pilot bearing when replacing a clutch. To me this seems to be a '90 - 2000's phenomenon. Regards,Comment
-
Re: LUK CLUTCH SET THROWOUT BEARING
I was able to purchase an all metal throwout bearing assembly at a NAPA store not all that long ago ( 2 years? ) after I questioned the quality of a plastic one that came in a kit that I purchased. The all metal one is now in the car, but after much conversation with others over the past year or so about the plastic one, I concur with what Joe L. has said.Comment
Comment