Quick clutch question.

[robertverhey]

When I separated my engine/gearbox, I found that it was fitted with a 7.5" clutch, with a pressure plate without the triangular release collar (ie just bare diaphragm fingers). The release bearing is the flat faced type.

All my reading says it's a no-no to use a flat face release bearing without the corresponding triangular collar on the clutch diaphragm. I should either fit a round faced bearing or replace the pressure plate with one that has the triangular collar.

I've reassembled it all, but now looks like i might need to pull it apart again. Which is a pain. So I just thought I'd check whether anyone else is successfully running a flat faced release bearing against bare diaphragm fingers.

The clutch certainly seemed to work fine when I used it prior to disassembly.

Any advice appreciated

Robert

[Panda]

Hi Robert,
If it was working fine before, it should be fine now. I guess it may be slightly heavier at full travel as the bearing may be contacting the fingers closer to the centre of the diaphragm and thus reducing leverage. I would replace it next time it comes out. Cheers
Alan Pate

[rgh0]

I would have expected you would have a problem with the bearing carrier having travelled to far forward in order to release the clutch but maybe other things have been modified as well to make it all work. I don't believe there is any specific reason why a flat faced release bearing would not work OK directly on the fingers provided everything else lined up OK. As the fingers moved and change angle with clutch release the point of contact with the bearing would change and this may give some strange feel to the clutch release and engagement. The round faced bearing ensures the point of contact stays the same with changing finger angle.

If its working OK and you have it all assembled then I would probably just leave it and you can always go back in later if you have any issues, the works the same now or later to change it. An if its working OK now and is the same as before you did the work and it was also OK then, you are unlikely to have any short term issues.

However If your going to worry about it every time you drive the car then better to go and change it now rather than spoil the enjoyment

cheers
Rohan

[robertverhey]

Thanks for advice guys, I forgot to mention that the driven plate was actually cracked and I replaced it. That might be, (thinking of rohan's comment) because of the carrier tube pushing on it due to the mismatch. There was a proper used collared pressure plate in the box of spares that came with the car, I think I'll refurbish and fit that. Easy now that body's off. Peace of mind