Indicator

Severe bearing noise when foot is on the clutch. May even result in the pedal sticking down

Cause

1. Incorrect clutch free travel (bearing has excessive pre-load on the clutch diaphragm spring)
2. Clutch control failure (Cable, Hydraulic, Fork, Pivot Ball or Bearing Guide)
3. Driver error (The driver resting their foot on the clutch pedal whilst driving)

Effect

Incorrect release bearing clearance causes loss of grease due to significant heat. This results in total failure of the bearing

Action

1. Replace or repair any worn clutch control components
2. Replace clutch kit
3. Adjust the clutch cable or master cylinder to the manufacturer’s specifications
4. Driver education (Don’t rest the foot on the clutch pedal)

» Link to Guide

Indicator:

Noise and rough pedal action

Cause:

1. Excessive misalignment of the release bearing
2. Excessive pre-load of the release bearing

Effect:

Worn release bearing contact face

Action:

1. Replace release bearing/Clutch kit
2. Check all clutch control components for service – if worn replace (bearing carrier, clutch for, gearbox nose cone, CSC mounting surface)
3. Incorrect clutch control setting – Incorrect (mechanical) or clutch master cylinder setting

» Link to Guide

Indicator:

Noise or squeak when the clutch is engaged (foot off the clutch)

Cause:

1. Poor lubrication of the release bearing and clutch fork contact points
2. Poor lubrication of the pivot ball/cross shaft
3. Worn/Damaged clutch fork
4. Worn/Damaged pivot ball/cross shaft

Effect:

The bearing has fatigue due to the metal on metal operations

Action:

1. Check the bearings operation for noise – if necessary replace
2. Lubricate all contact points (fork to bearing contact points, pivot ball, cross shaft)
3. Inspect all clutch control components and if necessary replace or repair.

» Link to Guide

Indicator:

Noise upon engaging and disengaging the clutch

Cause:

1. The bearing has been fitted to the carrier incorrectly (wrong way around)

Effect:

Total failure of the release bearing/clutch finger wear

Action:

1. Replace the bearing/clutch kit
2. Ensure the bearing is fitted to the carrier correctly

» Link to Guide

Indicator:

Release Bearing Noise & Pedal Vibration

Cause:

1. Incorrectly fitted press on release bearing to the carrier

Effect:

Bent Release bearing

Action:

1. Replace release bearing
2. Use a fitting tool to fit the bearing to the carrier

» Link to Guide

Indicator:

The clutch is noisy and the pedal can be slack.

Cause:

• A lug has broken
• Another fault in the mechanical operation of the clutch has caused the lug to break.
• For example, the fork is out of shape or badly positioned at the time of assembly.

Effect

A locating lug on the release bearing has broken.

Action

Check the fork and the guide sleeve and replace if signs of wear present. Ensure components are lubricated. Carefully check the clutch cable.

» Link to Guide