Approximately three months ago I installed a new clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing. The throw out bearing has never sounded right. It occasionally squeaks when the clutch is engaged. Recently it has started to rumble when the clutch is engaged. This happens after the car has been driven for approximately 30 to 45 minutes on a hot day. You can feel it as you push the clutch peddle in just as the bearing makes contact with the pressure plate. After contact is made everything is smooth. I’m going to replace the bearing next weekend. My question is am I right in assuming that this is a bearing problem and what is a good bearing to purchase?
The transmission is new and working great (thanks Wally).
The clutch kit (clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing & pilot bearing) was purchased at NAPA and I was told that it was manufactured by Borg Warner (reason I bought it) even though it was packaged in a NAPA box.


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ACES member #04788
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what about the pivot ball, is it adjustable?

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"Once you go RAT, you never go back..."
TC #1366
Tony
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<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 1966_L78:
what about the pivot ball, is it adjustable?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't know. I have a Lakewood blowproof. What adjustments would I make to the pivot to correct this problem?

Bubba


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ACES member #04788
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Have you ever noticed that those instruments designed to detect intelligent life in the universe are all pointed AWAY from Earth???
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Anyone?

This does not sound like a pivot ball adjustment problem. If it were an adjustment problem, it would either (i) whine with the clutch pedal in the up position because the throw out bearing is pushed up against the pressure plate or (ii) would not disengage the clutch enough to shift and would grind going into reverse.

The squeaking and rumbling sound is probably because the throw out bearing is messed up. It's supposed to come packed with grease. If it's dry, it could squeak and rumble.

Another possibility is that the throw out bearing may not be installed properly on the clutch fork. I always have to look at the manual to get this right but, I think the spring clips on the end of the fork are supposed to go inside the big grove on the bearing. If you installed the bearing with the spring clips outside the grove, it could (maybe) makes some strange noises.

The pivot ball should be adjusted so the flat part of the ball is 4.750 inches from the block plate, not the flywheel. It's much easier to do with the blow shield off, we all know how much fun that is! It is also possible that the input is not running true, did you index the Lakewood when you put it on, check it for parallel and check the hole for alignment and center? You are allowed .005 total run out on the hole.

It never stops!

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Gold 67
1967 Malibu, 2nd owner.
1971 Malibu, been in the family since new.
There is nothing like rowing through the gears at 7500. Stick cars are so much fun they should be a controlled substance!

[This message has been edited by Wally (edited 08-27-2002).]

Gentleman,

I’m sure that the bearing is inserted correctly into the fork. I found a diagram here on the bulletin board that indicated the correct installation.
The pivot ball I didn’t check. It was installed on the Lakewood and seemed to work before I changed the transmission.
I checked the Lakewood with a dial indicator when I installed the trans. I checked it for parallel to the flywheel and also for center. It was within tolerance. And if it’s any indication the transmission slipped right in like someone was pulling it from inside. That was a first! At this point I’m leaning towards the throw out bearing. When I pull the transmission out is there anything else I should look for?

Thanks,
Bubba


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ACES member #04788
Maryland Chevelle Club member #075
Maryland Automotive Modelers Association
Have you ever noticed that those instruments designed to detect intelligent life in the universe are all pointed AWAY from Earth???
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Somebody to help would be nice!!! Make sure the bearing has not whacked the front bearing retainer on the Muncie, you know cut a groove in it. If it has I have new ones.

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www.muncie4speed.com (http://www.muncie4speed.com)
Gold 67
1967 Malibu, 2nd owner.
1971 Malibu, been in the family since new.
There is nothing like rowing through the gears at 7500. Stick cars are so much fun they should be a controlled substance!

I'll take a look. What is a good throw out bearing to purchase.?

The one I got from Center Force looks good, but it also looked just like one from Borg Warner. I'll bet they are like lifters, one company makes the all!!

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www.muncie4speed.com (http://www.muncie4speed.com)
Gold 67
1967 Malibu, 2nd owner.
1971 Malibu, been in the family since new.
There is nothing like rowing through the gears at 7500. Stick cars are so much fun they should be a controlled substance!

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bubba396:
I'll take a look. What is a good throw out bearing to purchase.?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I like my Hays T/O bearing. My 2¢


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Ron Cook TC Gold #1276 ___ ACES #5136
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CanAm Chevelle Club (http://www.canamchevelles.com)

Hays, Centerforce, etc.. Like Wally stated they are almost all BCA products (made by NTN). Check your local autoparts store and open the package to see what's in there.

It it's another brand, it's likely either a INA or NSK. If it's an NSK send me an email and I'll give you a few tips that will make it work silky smooth and eliminate nosecone damage.

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The Red Beast http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

Follow up:

Last Friday I pulled the trans and replaced the throw out bearing. The old bearing (three months old) had a groove worn in it the was about 1/32” deep and about 1/8” wide. I’m assuming that the bearing was locking up when it got hot. I checked the clearance between the bearing and the pressure plate before I removed the bearing and it seemed ok. After installing the new bearing (Borg Warner) the noise has stopped and the clutch action seems smoother.
Since I’ve been pulling the trans out so often this time I put everything back together with Velcro http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Thanks for all the responses,
Bubba


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ACES member #04788
Maryland Chevelle Club member #075
Maryland Automotive Modelers Association
Have you ever noticed that those instruments designed to detect intelligent life in the universe are all pointed AWAY from Earth???
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/Bubbas396.jpg