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Clutch release bearing replacement

Clutch release bearing replacement

The thrust bearing, also referred to as the release bearing, owes its name to the thrust it exerts on the central spring of the clutch. In the majority of modern cars the bearing is located on the clutch shaft. A disturbing sound coming out of the clutch area is a sign that the clutch is malfunctioning. If this sound disappears after pressing the clutch pedal, it means that the thrust bearing is worn and needs replacing. If you postpone its replacement for too long, you run the risk of damaging it completely, as a result of which you will be unable to disengage the gear box and the powertrain. Consequently, your car will be disabled.

Tips

  • Disturbing sounds coming out of the clutch area are a sign that this part is malfunctioning
  • The thrust bearing must always be replaced together with the clutch

Scope of services

  • Removing the elements obstructing access to the bearing
  • Replacing the bearing
  • Refitting the previously removed elements

Find a car workshop

Check out our workshops that offer the service clutch release bearing replacement in some of the biggest cities in your country

Additional info about the service

What is the role of the clutch?

The clutch engages or disengages the drive between the engine and the transmission, allowing smooth pulling away and stopping your car, as well as changing gears, without having to turn off the engine.

What does the clutch look like?

The clutch is comprised of a friction plate, which is pressed by the pusher plate to the engine flywheel. The clutch plate is secured to the clutch shaft and controlled by the thrust bearing. Its motion is initiated by pressing and releasing the clutch pedal.

When should the clutch be replaced?

The friction lining of the clutch plate gradually wears out, causing the plate to slip and preventing it from transmitting the torque from the engine to the other elements of the drive unit. If this is the case, the clutch must be replaced, which requires disassembling the gear box. Cars equipped with a front wheel drive require detaching the suspension and removing the half-shafts. Cars equipped with a rear wheel drive require disconnecting the transmission shaft in order for the gear box to be removed. Next, the pusher plate is unscrewed, followed by the removal of the clutch plate. As the useful life of the pusher plate springs and the thrust bearing is limited, these elements must be changed together with the clutch plate, as together they comprise the clutch assembly.

What to keep in mind?

In cars, in which the clutch is controlled by means of a hydraulic system instead of a cable connected to the clutch pedal, the clutch slave cylinder must also be replaced. When fitting a new clutch, you should also check the level of wear of the flywheel surface. If your car is equipped with the so-called dual mass flywheel, a good idea is to replace it along with the clutch, as it gradually wears out, too. After changing the clutch you should have the hydraulic clutch control system deaerated and a test drive performed to check if the drive system operates properly. It is difficult to determine when the clutch should be replaced, nevertheless in a typical car driven mainly in the city this component becomes worn after about 100 thousand kilometres."