quicky how to on throw out bearing? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Luvlegs · 12-20-2005, 12:21 PM

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!

Russell · 12-20-2005, 12:36 PM

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.

shelby987 · 12-20-2005, 12:38 PM

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!

ChevLoRay · 12-20-2005, 12:46 PM

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.

boraxman · 12-20-2005, 01:16 PM

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.

**truckdude239** · 12-20-2005, 01:59 PM

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

boraxman · 12-20-2005, 02:01 PM

No they are sealed unit AFAIK.

**truckdude239** · 12-20-2005, 02:05 PM

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

Luvlegs · 12-20-2005, 03:24 PM

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!

Russell · 12-20-2005, 03:28 PM

What kind of noise is it making?

Luvlegs · 12-20-2005, 04:03 PM

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.

Tx Firefighter · 12-20-2005, 04:05 PM

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.

67ChevyRedneck · 12-20-2005, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

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.

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

Luvlegs · 12-20-2005, 04:15 PM

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

krue · 12-20-2005, 04:59 PM

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.

Luvlegs · 12-20-2005, 05:02 PM

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

12-20-2005, 12:21 PM	#1
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	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! __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

12-20-2005, 12:36 PM	#2
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	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. __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

12-20-2005, 12:38 PM	#3
shelby987 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Just outside Durham, NC Posts: 894	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! __________________ 1969 SS 350 Camaro Sold 2008 1970 3/4T K20, stock height with 33's, 250 I6, 3 on the tree, and locked front and rear 4.10's 1980 Chevy Malibu 2 dr Sold 2007 1993 Olds. Cutlass Ciera Wagon Traded 2006 2003 Saturn L200 w/5pd. D/D My list spans 5 decades with One common thread.....GM!

12-20-2005, 12:46 PM	#4
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	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. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was. Last edited by ChevLoRay; 12-20-2005 at 12:51 PM.

12-20-2005, 01:16 PM	#5
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,921	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. __________________ 1970 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3 1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2007 Vespa GTS 250 Scooter ZIP 91351 Last edited by boraxman; 12-20-2005 at 01:17 PM.

12-20-2005, 01:59 PM	#6
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,230	Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing? umm are you suppose to pack them with greece? because i didn't lol __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

12-20-2005, 02:01 PM	#7
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,921	Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing? No they are sealed unit AFAIK. __________________ 1970 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3 1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2007 Vespa GTS 250 Scooter ZIP 91351

12-20-2005, 02:05 PM	#8
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,230	Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing? okay good i was going to be scared it i was suppose to lol __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

12-20-2005, 03:24 PM	#9
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	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! __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

12-20-2005, 03:28 PM	#10
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing? What kind of noise is it making? __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

12-20-2005, 04:03 PM	#11
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	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. __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

12-20-2005, 04:05 PM	#12
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	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. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-20-2005, 04:15 PM	#14
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	Re: quicky how to on throw out bearing? OK Tx!- I like where this is going now! __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

12-20-2005, 04:59 PM	#15
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	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. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

12-20-2005, 05:02 PM	#16
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	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...... __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!



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