quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

I tried searching for some but had no luck.... I have a '72 C10 I6 w/3 on tree - can anyone provide "how to" for changing out the throw out bearing - that's all I'm doing at the moment (I want to drive it while I'm building the new heart for it) - I've done it on stuff that was already torn to pieces but thought I might be able to slip in and slip out without too much trouble (might not be able to get it inside out of the cold!) - I'm hoping I picked up the right one (long v. short) - not sure that's an issue with mine either..... thanks for any input!

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

You'll need to unbolt the bellhousing from the transmission (there are 4 3/4 inch bolts going into the bellhousing from behind), undo your driveshaft, and transmission crossmember, then slide the whole transmission back so the input shaft comes out of the throwout bearing (making sure you have a jack under the tranny so it doesn't fall on you).

Pull the old bearing off the clutch fork, and slide the new one on. Re-installation is opposite of removal, cept for all the struggling to get the input shaft back into the pilot bushing / bearing, LOL

Oh, guess being a 3 on the tree you'll need to disconnect the linkage right away too.

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

I am new to the saginaw's, but every throwout bearing I have replaced, I have packed with lithium grease and just slid onto the input shaft and hooked it up to the arm.....but I am not sure there is a "quicky in and out" way to do it....I think you will have to drop the trans.....maybe you could pull the drive shaft, lower the trans, and get everything done while the trans is on a transmission jack.....but to do it right, you should probably also replace the pilot bearing......imo anyway (just got done doing this to a jeep actually, what a pita those things are....6 diff. kinds of bolts on the bell housing!

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

It can't be done without pulling the transmission. The clutch release bearing, aka throw-out bearing, slides on the pilot shaft of the transmission. But, you already knew that. The only "quickie" part of it that I can think of, is not replacing the clutch disc and pressure plate. So, in my opinion, there isn't an "easy" way to do the job. Sorry.

After reading the other replies, one thing to suggest: Get a couple of bolts about 5-6 inches long, with the correct thread for the "transmission to bell housing" bolts. Cut the heads off of them, and smooth them up so there are no sharp edges on them. With these long headless bolts in place, you can hang the transmission on them, and slide it into place. It makes inserting the pilot shaft into the pilot bushing much easier, when you're laying on your back, holding up the gearbox. Then, install the bottom bolts, and replace the uppers, one at a time. Just be sure that you don't tighten them up too much. Without a head on them, they can be difficult to undo, if you did.

I once had, okay my first car was, a '54 Ford. It had a "new" clutch and pressure plate when I bought it. Nice words to hear when you're 16. However, after about three months of ownership, I was having trouble getting it into gear, unless I put it in gear and then started it. "Someone" said the throwout bearing was going bad. It had a squeal when you pressed on the pedal and that was the clue. So, after I had left town on New Year's Eve, drove about a hundred miles to go deer hunting on New Years' Day, 1965.....while the Arkansas Razorbacks were playing the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the National Title in the Cotton Bowl.....my throwout bearing was only getting worse. An adult, whom we thought was knowledgeable, suggested something be placed between the rod and the arm, to "push a little harder" on the bearing, as in more leverage or more travel. Bad move. Do not repeat that action. The increased travel only served to break the rivets that held the arm in place at the fulcrum inside the bell housing. With the fulcrum now broken loose, the clutch was obligated to remain fully engaged at all times. Whew!! It's a good thing I had practiced shifting without a clutch....youth does wonders for our abilities, don't it?? Only thing: I hadn't practiced driving in towns with stop lights and railroad crossings, without using the clutch. But, we made it back home and got the car fixed. Dang!! It cost me $25, in 1964, to get a new bearing and the labor to fix the broken part.

Bottom line? Don't replace the clutch and pressure plate without also replacing the throwout bearing.

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

No "quickly" on replacing the TO bearing...not a fun job unless you like wrenching.

And you may as well check the clutch componets while youre in there.

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

umm are you suppose to pack them with greece? because i didn't lol

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

No they are sealed unit AFAIK.

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

okay good i was going to be scared it i was suppose to lol

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

Thanks all! PO had replaced press. plate etc but didn't do the TOB (I don't know why.....) - soooo I just want to get rid of the sound when pushing in on the clutch - It's just got to get me through until I start the frame off (couple weeks away) and I want to drive it around a bit but it's annoying the way it is....
ChevLoRay - the idea about the long bolts.... nice!
Thanks again all!

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

What kind of noise is it making?

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

At all times the clutch is pushed in, theres a sound like a HEAVY vacuum leak (when sitting in the cab) - Outside the vehicle, 4 different buds (different times) all said "Throw out bearing" (one was my father and with his 60+ years experience, I have to believe him!) (he'll appreciate that).... It stops the instant the clutch is released.

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

Fellows, you're scaring him too much.

You do not need to unbolt the bellhousing from the engine. That's an unecessary trip to take

Remove the driveshaft, speedo cable and shift linkage. Now, unbolt the trans from the bellhousing. There will be two forward facing bolts and two rearward facing bolts. The bellhousing can remain attached to engine through the whole deal.

Once the trans is off the bellhousing, reach in and pop a new bearing into the clutch fork. Reinstall the trans.

It's a hour job.

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

OK Tx!- I like where this is going now!

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

That's how my dad and I changed mine before I put in the 700R4, It took us about 2 to 3 hours.... Tx must be a pro;)

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

If you do have to pull the tranny, get some 6" starter bolts and cut the heads off to use as Chevloray described. One thing that is helpful is to use a grinder to flatten two sides of the bolt where you cut the head off so u can still turn it with a crescent or channellocks.

Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing?
 

On it! Don't stick anything in without having a way to get it back out.... I'll stop......