Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

[Bob H.]

Hi

It's been awhile since I replaced a clutch on a C2. My thowout bearing was going bad so I replaced the clutch as well. My question is I purchased the clutch from NAPA and noticed the throwout bearing was grooved on the inside. I hadn't seen that before as ones I have changed were always with a smooth surface. Is this something new and what is the purpose? It is a big block if it matters.

[Joel A.]

Re: Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

You mean there is an open space inside the sleeve that rides on the trans collar? If so, then that is "normal"....it is a reservoir/space to put grease for lubrication.

[Bob H.]

Re: Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

Hi Joel:

Yes. I one I removed had a smooth surface inside. Although I greased the collar I did not fill it with grease. Will that be a problem in the future?

[Michael M.]

Re: Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

I recently bought what sounds like the same LuK clutch kit through Napa. Mine came with a composite throw-out bearing made by INA. I found that INA and LuK are part of the Schaeffler Group North America and probably why they were packaged together.

Some may like the composite bearing but I’m kind of old-school and decided to go with a conventional SKF bearing made in the USA (also from Napa). The composite bearing may perform just fine but I didn’t want to take a chance and go through all the labor involved to change it down the road.

The choice is yours and I'm sure some will say the composite bearing is superior.

The first pic is the SKF I went with, the second is the composite bearing that came in the kit.

[Bob H.]

Re: Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

Mike

That is the bearing I was talking about. Thought I was making the right decision buying the NAPA/LUK clutch but now......

[Michael M.]

[Bob H.]

Re: Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

As with most of our cars, I don't put that many miles on it. My problem happened as I was pulling into Kissimmee in January. Took me this long to finally replace it. I would hope it will last a few thousand miles which will take me awhile to achieve.

[Joe L.]

Re: Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

As with most of our cars, I don't put that many miles on it. My problem happened as I was pulling into Kissimmee in January. Took me this long to finally replace it. I would hope it will last a few thousand miles which will take me awhile to achieve.

Bob-----


I strongly suspect that the INA bearing is going to last longer than you're ever going to need it even if you started driving the car day-to-day. Clutch release bearings have been somewhat problematic for years. During the last 15 years, or so, design changes have occurred in an attempt to solve some of these problems. I feel pretty confident that the INA design is among those.

[Bob H.]

Re: Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

Thanks Joe. I needed some reassuring words

[Bob H.]

Re: Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

Would it be prudent to remove the transmission and fill the grooves of this new style throwout bearing with grease. I just put a light coat on the tranny collar

[Edward J.]

Re: Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

Bob, Maybe if you need to you could access the trans sleeve through the boot around the fork if need be later. You really only need a small amount of grease anyway. You don't want to be slinging any grease around in the bell housing or get any on the disc. smooth operation in and out with pedal is the main concern.

[Bob H.]

Re: Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

Thanks for that thought. I will check that out. My thought too, was I don't want a bunch of grease slinging around. Would like to get a small amount in there though.

Guess my old school thinking and way of doing things needs updated!

[Jim D.]

Re: Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

Bob, I wouldn't worry about it. I've been using the Luk clutch set in several cars for many years. They all have the same T/O bearing. I put a thin coat of grease on the bearing retainer and that's it. No problems so far. I'm one of the ones that think the composite bearing is far superior to the metal ones.

[Bob H.]

Re: Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

thanks Jim

[Gerald C.]

Re: Corvette Clutch Throwout bearing

I'm installing a new throwout bearing in my 63 300HP. I purchased SKF N1488 from NAPA. I'm installing it (off of the car) and it slips out of the yoke. I am installing it correctly with the tabs inside the rear of the bearing. However, it seems to fallout easily! Is this "normal" and will it be okay once the bell housing is installed??

Seems odd that it would be this loose.

Thanks