Release bearing attachment

[seniorchristo]

Is it just me or is this a flimsy arrangement to secure the clutch release bearing. It fell apart when I installed my engine. Perhaps I allowed it to travel too far?

[andyj007]

just put mine back together // does look a daft design , but seems to work on all teh other elans..

[rgh0]

Provide the spring clips have not been bent / distorted, once its installed with the arm on the pivot and the bearing and carrier on the guide tube it all stays together. If its just hanging there loose it falls apart

cheers
Rohan

[RAJ2628]

It's a typical '60s design solution that I had forgoten about until I fitted mine on my S4 recently. I was paranoid about one (or both) of the clips coming loose when the gearbox was attached (with all the shaking and pushing). For peace of mind I photographed them in situ using an insection camera. Pushed the probe in through the release fork gaiter aperture.
I know how pathetic I am, but no cure I'm told.

[2cams70]

Don't worry - a million or so Mk1 Cortina's produced with this setup can't be wrong!

[RAJ2628]

I did a few if these thrust bearings on Cortinas back in the 70s and with the passage of time it seems they were easier to work on. 50 years later the same job on the Elan seems more of a faff and a lot more effort to sort if domething did go awry. Hence my overcautious approach. Back then we also had no worries if we had a duff thrust bearing or not.
Still it keeps us busy.