Your Ultimate Guide to Changing Throw Out Bearings

If you're experiencing difficulty shifting gears or hearing strange noises when engaging the clutch, it may be time to replace your throw out bearing. This essential component plays a crucial role in disengaging the clutch, allowing for smooth gear changes. Replacing it can significantly enhance your driving experience and prevent costly repairs down the road.

Why Changing Throw Out Bearings Matters

A faulty throw out bearing can lead to a range of problems, including:

Premature clutch failure: The bearing's primary function is to apply pressure to the clutch fingers, which disengages the clutch. A worn bearing can cause uneven pressure, leading to premature wear and failure of the clutch system.

Grinding or squealing noises: When the bearing fails, it can create friction and produce grinding or squealing sounds when you press the clutch pedal.

Difficulty shifting gears: A worn bearing can make it difficult to shift gears smoothly, especially when upshifting or downshifting under load.

Key Benefits of Changing Throw Out Bearings

Replacing a worn throw out bearing offers numerous benefits:

Enhanced clutch performance: A new bearing ensures proper engagement and disengagement of the clutch, resulting in smoother gear changes and a more responsive driving experience.

Reduced risk of clutch failure: Replacing the bearing proactively helps prevent premature clutch failure, saving you the cost and hassle of major repairs.

Quieter operation: A new bearing eliminates grinding or squealing noises, creating a more comfortable driving environment.

Getting Started with Changing Throw Out Bearings

Step-by-Step Approach:

Gather tools and materials: You'll need a jack, jack stands, basic hand tools, and a new throw out bearing.

Safety first: Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and disconnect the negative battery terminal.

Raise the vehicle: Place the jack under the transmission and lift the vehicle until you have enough clearance to work.

Disconnect the clutch cable: Locate the clutch cable and disconnect it from the clutch fork.

Remove the transmission: Unbolt the transmission from the engine and carefully lower it out of the vehicle.

Replace the throw out bearing: Locate the worn bearing on the clutch fork and remove it. Install the new bearing by pressing it onto the fork.

Reassemble the transmission: Lift the transmission back into place and reconnect it to the engine.

Reconnect the clutch cable: Reconnect the clutch cable to the clutch fork.

Lower the vehicle: Slowly lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.

Test drive: Start the engine and test the clutch engagement and disengagement.

Advanced Features:

Self-adjusting bearings: These bearings automatically adjust to compensate for clutch wear, ensuring consistent performance over time.

Hydraulic release bearings: These bearings use hydraulic pressure to engage and disengage the clutch, providing smoother operation and reduced pedal effort.

Tips and Tricks for Changing Throw Out Bearings

Use a proper clutch alignment tool: This tool ensures that the clutch is properly aligned during installation, preventing premature failure.

Lubricate the bearing: Apply a thin layer of high-temperature grease to the bearing's contact surfaces to reduce friction and extend its lifespan.

Inspect the clutch disc: While you have the transmission removed, take the opportunity to inspect the clutch disc and replace it if necessary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Installing the bearing incorrectly: Ensure that the bearing is facing the correct direction and is seated properly on the clutch fork.

Overtightening the bolts: Do not overtighten the bolts that secure the transmission. This can warp the housing and cause premature bearing failure.

Ignoring the clutch fork: Inspect the clutch fork for wear or damage and replace it if necessary.

	According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), replacing a throw out bearing can cost between $200 and $500, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

	The Auto Care Association estimates that over 10 million clutches are replaced each year in the United States.

Your Ultimate Guide to Changing Throw Out Bearings