How to Change a Throw Out Bearing

The throw out bearing is the bearing in a manual transmission that helps engage and disengage the clutch. If the throw out bearing starts going bad, it needs to be replaced. When you change a clutch, you should replace other clutch components at the same time, to ensure all pieces of the clutch wear at the same rate. Replacing the throw out bearing on your car is relatively easy and straightforward.

Things You'll Need

• Socket set Assortment of screwdrivers Box-end wrenches 1 can engine degreaser Putty knife or scraper Adjustable pliers and needle nose pliers Pair of wheel ramps Pair of jack stands 2-ton floor jack

Instructions

1. Drive the car up on a set of wheel ramps and set the parking brake.

2. Jack up the rear of the car using the floor jack and place on jack stands. Be sure that the car will have enough clearance for you to work easily to remove necessary components.

3. Disconnect the battery cables from the battery.

4. Mark the driveshaft yoke ends for reinstallation and loosen the driveshaft bolts. Remove the driveshaft and lay to the side.

5. Loosen bolts for any transmission supporting crossmembers to allow for the transmission to be removed. Loosen the transmission bolts just slightly.

6. Place the barrel floor jack with a block of wood under the engine oil pan and support the engine.

7. Place the transmission jack under the transmission and secure holding straps in place around the transmission.

8. Unscrew and remove the bolts that secure the clutch bellhousing to the engine crankcase.

9. Start lowering the transmission jack to take pressure off the input shaft, and slide the transmission to the rear for removal. Do not allow the weight of the transmission to rest upon the input shaft while it is engaged with the splines of the clutch driven plate.

10. Check that none of the metal fingers on the pressure plate are distorted or bent. If there is any damage, the pressure plate will need to be replaced.

11. Loosen the mounting bolts a little at a time in a diagonal pattern so as not to distort the pressure plate. If flywheel starts to turn a screw driver can be inserted in the starter motor opening and lodged in the flywheel teeth to restrict movement.

12. Remove the remaining bolts. You now can remove the pressure plate and clutch disc. Clean all mating surfaces, bearing area, and be certain that all dirt, oil, and debris have been removed.

13. Inspect the pressure plate for any scoring, groves, or chips. The surface should be smooth. Also, inspect the flywheel for any rivet groves, warping, or gouging. Surfaces, again, should be smooth. Make sure all teeth on the flywheel are also in good shape.

14. Inspect the release bearing and replace it if worn. Check the pilot bearing for wear and replace if necessary. Apply a light coat of moly-base grease to the transmission input shaft, wiping off any excess. If any signs of wear or distortion are present, replace these parts upon installation.

15. Remove the rubber dust boot/cover from the withdrawal lever at the bellhousing.

16. Release and detach the retainer spring clip assembly from the ball pivot in the bellhousing with a screwdriver. You now can remove the withdrawal lever along with the clutch release bearing (throw out bearing) and hub assembly. Inspect the withdrawal lever for cracks or damage. It may be necessary to remove the bearing from the hub with a two or three jaw puller.

17. Press the new bearing in place, being sure to only put pressure on the center of the bearing race. Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly. Apply high-temperature grease to the recess of the release-bearing hub along with the pivot points of the withdrawal lever.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are reinstall the withdrawal lever to the release bearing, be certain the release bearing retaining spring clip assembly is hooked over the ends of the withdrawal lever.

Resources

• Buy throw out bearings here