Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

What I assume is the clutch release bearing is squealing like a pig.

Only when I press the clutch pedal.
Goes after driving for a few minutes.

I have a feeling that replacing this part got overlooked when the engine was out in 2010.
That would mean it is probably 9 years old and maybe 30K on it.
Also I forgot that the MOT guy said there was 0mm rather than 2mm gap, doh!

A few threads answered some questions.

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elan-f15/question-release-bearing-t23987.html

It would seem the consensus is
1. Do not to attempt to spray WD40 at it.
2. That it can last for many more miles.
3. That you have to remove the engine to replace.
4. If it fails then you are not necessarily stranded.

I head to St. Andrews in a fortnight so this is somewhat pressing.

Thoughts???

Simon

The bearing can make all manner of noises during its life, and yes its engine out! I'm sure someone will come back and say they replaced the bearing by separating the engine and moving it forward, but realistically, its engine out. Probably worth replacing the clutch at the same time. That said, it will probably last for years before catastrophic failure. I sought advice on a noisy bearing from a well known Lotus mech-man who advised me to wait until something else needed attention. As it happened, it lasted two years/15k miles before complete failure. When it happened, the bearing disintegrated and peppered the inside of the bell housing with ball bearings! Even then, it still worked to a degree and I was able to nurse the car to his workshop for repair. No other components were harmed in the making of this thread.

I have to say, the noise did get progressively worse, but nothing else happened to prompt me to remove the engine..

I pass on this advice, but keep a mobile phone and your AA/RAC card handy!

Jeremy

Most likely the release bearing but don't forget about the spigot bearing, needle roller on the 6 bolt flywheel or a bush on the 4 bolt crank.
If I remember correctly the later 4 bolt also had a roller bearing in some cases.
If you are pulling the engine its worth checking/replacing these.

So my plan is to carry the following items in the spare tyre so that when the time comes I can get to any old garage to swap the release bearing.

1. Clutch release bearing
2. Oil Filter
3. 5l Valvoline VR1
4. Exhaust manifold gaskets
5. Fork gator and spring (need replacing anyway)

(4. might not be needed with my fancy down-pipe mods, more of which when I get some pics)

Is there there anything else that Joe Blogs garage would need if I want them to lift out the engine and swap the bearing?
(the needle bearings too maybe but if this ain't the clutch release I'll eat my hat!)

You can disregard the spigot bearing unless the noise is only present when you are at standstill, in (any) gear with the clutch disengaged and of course the engine running.

Noise only there when clutch pedal is pressed.
Does it a few times when I start off in the morning and then nothing.
Need to leave for several hours before it does it again.

I intend to do it myself since I have helped get the engine in and out (at Miles' place).
It's about time I had a go at doing it on my own.
However I am getting married in St. Andrews at the end of the month and so don't intend to do it before then.
If it disintegrates on that trip then I want to have the spare parts in the boot and I'll get to a friendly Scots garage.

Hmmm, need to add an engine hoist to the wedding list

Simon

Hi Simon,
If problem is the spigot bearing the noise should only occur whenever the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
If noise starts when clutch pedal is lightly depressed and continues all the way down, it is the release bearing.
I had a similar fault with an S3, turned out to be a seized spigot needle bearing.
cheers and good luck
Alan P