Input shaft and release carrier play

[david.g.chapman]

Please forgive me for asking these questions, but the search facility is down for me at the moment.

My engine is out, and I'm looking at the 4 speed input shaft and clutch release mechanism. There is about 2mm total side to side rock at the end of the input shaft, and about 0.5mm rock on the release bearing carrier with respect to the input shaft.
Is this ok?
Dave Chapman.

[snowyelan]

Personal opinion is that both are ok. The gearbox input and output can both feel a bit loose when out of the car. Neither are properly supported until the flywheel pilot bearing and the driveshaft are brought into play.

[pharriso]

but the search facility is down for me at the moment.

Dave Chapman.

Me as well, but finding google much better!

You go to google & do a "site:lotuselan.net/forums subject search words" & it comes back with much better results that the search tool here...

[types26/36]

There is about 2mm total side to side rock at the end of the input shaft, and about 0.5mm rock on the release bearing carrier with respect to the input shaft.
Is this ok?Dave Chapman.

Yes, I agree with other comments and I have handled many, it is not suported in that situation and sounds normal to me.

[nmauduit]

same here, may appear suspiciously loose but the engine is what does the front support of the input shaft.

[david.g.chapman]

Thanks for your replies. I will change the input oil seal if I can without removing the gearbox, and turn my attention to the clutch judder that prompted me to pull the engine.

Cheers,

Dave Chapman.

[prezoom]

I have found that there two different input shaft seals for the 4-speed gearboxes. Divide by early to late styles. You just have to remove the bearing retainer to replace the seal.

[joe7]

Be very careful if you are going to replace the front seal in situ. Hold the input shaft in tight to the gearbox when removing the carrier and don't turn it. If it comes out you will dislodge the syncro ring then its box out!

[david.g.chapman]

Many thanks. I will try and be careful with the input shaft!
Dave.