Release bearing and shaft - removal, inspection and refitting

Clutch / Release bearing and shaft - removal, inspection and refitting

Four speed transmission Removal
1 With the transmission removed, unhook the return spring from the release arm (see illustration).

5.1 Clutch release arm return spring

2 Turn the release arm to move the release bearing up the guide sleeve, then disengage the two spring clips from the release fork and withdraw the bearing (see illustration).

5.2 Release bearing in place on the release shaft arms (four speed transmission)

3 Note how the springs and clips are fitted (see illustration), then prise the clips from the release bearing.

5.3 Release bearing showing retaining clips (arrowed)

4 Using a splined socket, unbolt and remove the guide sleeve from the clutch housing.

5 Using a narrow drift, drive the release shaft outer bush from the clutch housing.

Alternatively prise out the bush.

6 Pull the release shaft from the inner bearing then withdraw the shaft and arm from the housing.

Inspection
7 Spin the release bearing by hand and check it for roughness, then attempt to move the outer race laterally against the inner race. If any excessive roughness or wear is evident, renew the bearing. Do not wash the bearing in solvent if it is to be re-used.

8 Check the bushes and bearing surfaces of the release shaft for wear and also check the guide sleeve for scoring. The inner bush may be removed using a soft metal drift and the new bush driven in until flush.

Refitting
9 Refitting is a reversal of removal, but lubricate all bearing surfaces with a little highmelting- point grease. Make sure that the release shaft outer bush is correctly sealed with the tab located in the cut-out in the clutch housing (see illustration).

5.9 Showing the location tab (arrowed) on the release shaft outer bush

Five-speed transmission Removal
10 Remove the transmission as described in Chapter 7. Removal and checking procedures for the release bearing are the same as for the four-speed transmission, as described in the previous sub-Section.

11 Extract the circlips securing the release lever to the release shaft, then withdraw the shaft from its bushes and the release lever (see illustration). Note that there is a master spline on the shaft and lever allowing fitment in only one position.

5.11 Exploded view of the clutch release mechanism - five speed transmission

1 Clutch housing
2 Seal
3 Bush
4 Bush
5 Guide sleeve retaining screw 6 Circlip
7 Release lever
8 Spring
9 Release shaft
10 Release bearing
11 Retaining clip
12 Spring clip
13 Guide sleeve

Inspection
12 Check the bushes and bearing surfaces of the shaft for wear, and also check the release bearing guide sleeve for scoring. The bushes may be removed using a drift, and new bushes fitted in a similar fashion. Fit the bushes so that the oil seal will be flush with the housing when in position.

Refitting
13 Refitting is a reversal of removal, but lubricate all bearing surfaces with a highmelting- point grease.