[jcflork]

I have a '69 SS and am having problems with throwout bearings. This will be the third one in less than 5,000 miles. I replaced the Hays clutch with a Centerforce clutch along with their throwout bearing after the first throwout bearing went bad because I thought the Centerforce was better. When these go bad they disintegrate and without much warning! I'm going to go ahead and replace the stock bellhousing with bulletproof bellhousing so while I have it all apart I thought I'd ask for some advice and see if any of you have had this problem and how you fixed it.

 

[elkenova]

Could it be that the clutch is out of adjustment-no freeplay so that the throwout bearing is spinning all the time?

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66 El Camino 350 4 speed
68 Nova 454 4speed

 

[Steve R]

I would venture to guess that your problems are not with the throw out bearing. I could see one going bad, two would be a remote possibility, a third and it is pretty clear that the problem lies elsewhere. Elkenova is right about checking the alignment and engagement, but don't forget to check how the throwout bearing is installed on the clutch fork. It is common to be installed incorrectly, I did it a couple of times before someone showed me the correct way. Check with a manual, since it is not easy to describe online. Good luck.

Steve R.

[This message has been edited by Steve R (edited 11-03-2001).]

 

[70S_GUY]

I had the exact same problem for a while.Do you have the correct bell hsg for your trans.If it is the truck bell hsg or just not tight enough it will chew up clutches like crazy.The fit has to be kinda tight around the input to the trans.(I believe the input bearing.)

 

[bb67H-D]

Is the bearing retainer nice and smooth? if not put a new one on.It probably is not your problem but I would check the retainer anyways.
----------
Brett
'67
SS396
clone

 

[jcflork]

After seeing the replies I think I'll pull that bellhousing off. Have you ever put something together and in the back of your mind you just know things aren't lining up exactly how they should? I've been having problems with hucking up the sring to the clutch fork for some time. I blamed it on the headers. I think 70SS-Guy might be correct. I just replaced the clutch fork when I replaced the clutch and I'm just afraid that it may have been replaced with one from a truck engine. Thnaks for all the suggestions!