The clutch release bearing is a mechanical part of a car's transmission designed to separate the clutch disc from the basket. Simply put, it turns the clutch on and off.
The device and principle of operation of the release bearing
Such bearings come in two varieties: roller bearings, which use a fairly rigid connection between the rods, and hydraulic, which uses the force of the hydraulic clutch system.
Regardless of the make and model of the car, the clutch works the same way everywhere. It provides a smooth connection between the car engine and its transmission, to ensure the smooth running of the car when the gear is engaged and to exclude the possibility of early wear of the elements connecting the engine and transmission.
The clutch is a pressure plate that attaches to the housing and presses the driven plate against the flywheel. The disc hub is connected to the input shaft and has the ability to move freely along it. Damper springs are located on the hub housing, which play the role of vibration dampers and ensure a smooth ride.
To create the required pressing force, a spring with petals is used, on which the release bearing acts. It is the connecting link between the drive and the clutch, since a fork with a lever is attached to it, at the end of which a cable or other lever is fixed leading to the clutch pedal.
Video - How to check the clutch release on a car
Signs of a failed release bearing
The transmission of torque to the release bearing is carried out only when the clutch pedal is depressed. He goes back and pulls the clutch disc behind him. That is why the clutch pedal should not be held too long in gear. This leads to the appearance of unstable loads on it, which leads the part to rapid wear.
A clear sign of wear on the release bearing is the appearance of various sounds when the clutch pedal is depressed in the form of rustles and knocks. However, do not worry if such sounds appear during the cold season. The fact is that this part has a small coefficient of expansion at low temperatures. This is due to the high strength of the steel from which the bearing is made. And the glass, in which the entire node is located, on the contrary, has a large coefficient of expansion. Therefore, when the engine warms up, the sound disappears.
In addition, there are a number of other signs, of which it is worth noting incorrect gear shifting. Some gears simply do not turn on, or turn on and, at the same time, pull the car, both at the start and while driving.
Video - Replacing the clutch release bearing VAZ 2109
Operating procedure
1. Drive the car into the pit, put on the handbrake and install wheel chocks. Then remove the terminals from the battery and remove it so that it does not interfere with the work. Also, disconnect the wire connecting to the clutch housing ground.
2. Remove all bolts that secure the motor guard. Detach protection. Thus, you will create unhindered access from below to all nodes.
3. Turn off draft of a drive of a check point (scene). To do this, use a 13 key to unscrew the clamp bolt and spread it to the side. Then disconnect the drive from the gearbox.
4. Disconnect the sensor that turns on the lights " reversing» and disconnect the clutch cable.
5. Loosen the hub nuts and lift the front wheels. Remove the wheels and unscrew the hub nuts to the end. After that, unscrew the ball joints and unscrew the hubs so that it is possible to dismantle the CV joints. Remove the clamps and anthers of the internal grenades and pull them out of the gearbox.
Attention! Before removing the CV joints, be sure to drain the oil from the gearbox!
6. Leave some kind of support under the engine so that after removing the box it does not collapse. After that, unscrew all the bolts that secure the gearbox to the engine, and unscrew the gearbox mounting bracket. It is recommended that only two people carry out this work, since the gearbox is quite heavy. Pull the box out of the engine very carefully: the input shaft should not touch the petals.
7. Remove the ends of the spring retainer with a screwdriver and pull out the clutch.
8. Pull the petals back and remove the old release bearing.
9. Install the new release bearing in reverse order. To do this, it is mounted on the coupling in such a way that the protruding component is directed towards the coupling.
10. Fix the new part with the clutch holder and lubricate engine oil the whole shaft.
After replacing the bearing, install the gearbox in reverse order, replace the CV joint, secure the ball bearings and tighten the hub nut. After that, install the wheels, tighten the wheel bolts and lower the car. After that, tighten them and the hub nuts. Do not forget to fill the oil back into the gearbox, it is best to replace it with a new one.
This completes the release bearing replacement process. Good luck on the roads!
Again, we want to emphasize that there are no important and unimportant parts in the automobile mechanism. Each screw and nut must always be in its place, otherwise, sooner or later, their absence can lead not only to a breakdown of one of the parts, but also to more tragic consequences. All this is directly related to the car's clutch system and to the clutch release bearing, which is not just a part of it, but plays a very important role. important role in the performance of the entire machine. After all, it is with the help of this element that the pressure force is transmitted, which from the fork, the clutch goes further to the spider of the basket and directly to, which is the leading one.
But all the importance that the clutch bearing has does not mean at all that all car owners have comprehensive information about its structure. To fill this gap, we decided to devote an article to this issue, in which we will consider how the clutch release bearing works, how it “breaks” and is repaired.
1. Clutch release bearing: how does it work?
In order not to bother unenlightened minds with complex elements of mechanics for a long time, we will try to explain the features of the clutch system and release bearing as clearly as possible. When the car is stationary, its disc engages with the basket. When you need to hit the road, the disc must be released from the clutch, which is what our beloved clutch release bearing provides (now the name itself explains its purpose).
It is important to note that thanks to the bearing, not only disengagement, but also engagement of the vehicle's clutch is ensured. But the most important thing to be aware of is that there are two types of such bearings:
1. Roller or ball. This type works on the basis of a rigid connection between the rods, with the help of which these mechanical units transmit the force to the bearing.
2. Hydraulic. Here the force is created thanks to the hydraulic system. Its advantage is that it becomes more sensitive and does not require much force.
Why does a car need a clutch? First, in order to very smoothly detach car engine from the transmission when you change gears. Indeed, thanks to this, the transmission elements are protected from excessive overloads. The second important value of clutch - thanks to it, oscillations are damped. Now let's move on to studying the scheme by which the clutch system of any car works:
- the pressure plate, which is connected directly to the car body, presses the driven disc to the car flywheel;
The hub of the driven disk is directly connected to the input shaft and can move along it without problems;
Inside the hub itself there are special damper springs, due to which vibrations are damped, and the smooth movement of the car is also ensured;
But the pressure plate is not able to function without applying special force to it. This force comes to it from the diaphragm spring;
The entire inner diameter of the diaphragm spring is made of metal "petals".
It is precisely on these “petals”, which we mentioned last, that the release bearing acts. Also, this part is quite often called the "clutch release bearing", which no less accurately reflects it. functional purpose. This important part is located on the axis of rotation and, as you could already understand, it acts as a transmitter between the drive and the clutch. The bearing itself moves along with the release clutch, which is actuated by the clutch fork.
2. Reasons why the clutch release bearing may fail
The most common cause of clutch release bearing failure is improper use, which leads to premature wear. What could be the reason for this misuse? And it lies in the uneven loads that appear on the described part. This happens when, having switched on the gear, you hold your foot on the clutch pedal for a very long time. Indeed, at this time, our bearing goes back from its usual position, taking away the driven disk. Lingering in such an unusual position, he is subjected to incredible loads, as a result of which his integrity may even be violated.
But if we talk about the characteristics of the clutch release bearing as a whole, then this part should be called quite reliable and durable. Therefore, if you use it correctly, you will not even remember about it. Most often, novice drivers have to fool around with it, who do not take into account or are not aware of such warnings.
But to understand how the bearing wears out is not enough. It is important to know what this deficiency manifests itself in. The most important "symptoms" that point to this fact are characteristic sounds in the form of a knock that manifests itself while pressing the clutch pedal with the engine running. But here there is one important point, which can completely dispel all your worries: if this knock intensifies exclusively in the cold season, the knock may not be caused by bearing wear at all, but by the physical properties of the glass in which the bearing itself is located. The fact is that the part we are discussing is made of very high quality and durable steel with a low coefficient of linear expansion. That is, under the influence of different temperature conditions, the bearing does not narrow and does not expand. But here the main problem lies in the fact that the glass can narrow from frost, which leads to the appearance of characteristic knocks.
But even before the appearance of such knocks, other signs may appear, signaling to the driver about the impending failure of the clutch release bearing. We are talking about its slipping and incomplete shutdown. For example, such a sign may be a situation when you fully depress the clutch pedal (while the engine is actively working), it is very difficult to switch the car from one gear to another. Also, extraneous noises and crackles can appear not only when you press the clutch pedal, but also during gear shifting.
Also, the fact that the described part will soon have to be replaced will also be indicated by the fact that the free play of the pedal has increased, and during the slipping of the clutch and releasing the pedal, a slight smell of burning is felt in the cabin, and the movement of the car worsens. These signs, although much less common, also include engine overheating and increased fuel consumption.
But even if you did not take into account some important aspects of the operation of the clutch release bearing and it failed, you should not worry. Buy this item at specialized stores It will not be difficult, although you will have to spend a little money, but you can easily install the part yourself. How to do this, we will tell you further.
3. Replacing the clutch release bearing: what is the task of the car owner?
The replacement process itself is not laborious and will not take you much time. The main thing is to correctly follow all the instructions from the instructions that we give you, and also not to confuse its stages:
1. We remove from a fixed place of the car, which will prevent us from getting to our bearing. Also, do not forget to disengage the ends of the spring retainer from the clutch.
2. Remove the worn clutch release bearing from the guide bushing.
3. We unclench the legs of the spring holder and remove it from the place of fixation, which will allow us to freely remove the bearing from the coupling on which it is located.
4.
However, in no case should you rush to install a new part. Before this, it is necessary to check its serviceability very carefully. The new bearing should rotate easily, without binding or play.
5. Fully serviceable and functional new part install on the clutch. It is very important that the protruding part of the inner ring of the coupling faces to the side. It is in this position that this protruding part is fixed with the help of a holder.
6. Before you install the clutch release bearing on the guide sleeve, do not forget to lubricate it well with special grease.
7. We fix the bearing together with the clutch using a spring retainer and do not forget to put the gearbox of your car in its original place.
And of course, do not forget about the very final stage of the process of replacing the clutch release bearing - checking its performance directly on the car. To do this, start the engine and squeeze the clutch, listening for extraneous sounds. If all is well, you can hit the road without fear, while not forgetting the main rules of how to operate the clutch and clutch release bearing.
In the clutch system of a car, one of the most important parts is the release bearing. Now we will consider the purpose of the clutch release bearing, the signs of its malfunction, as well as the features of replacing this part. It will be a question of replacement, since repair is fundamentally impossible here. If the release bearing is exhausted, then like any other bearing, it needs to be replaced.
If we consider the clutch system in a simplified form, then it has two discs, a master and a slave. When you release the clutch pedal, the driven plate, which is connected to the input shaft of the gearbox, is pressed against the drive plate of the motor flywheel. So in a simple way, the rotation of the engine is transmitted to the box and then to the drive wheels.
But if there were no release bearing in the clutch system, then with each gear change, at the beginning of the car’s movement, there would be a serious jerk. This would have destroyed the gearbox in a short time, and the clutch itself, and the car's engine. And it’s not necessary to talk about some kind of comfort of such a ride. Here, in order for the clutch to turn on and off smoothly, a clutch release bearing is installed in the system.
Two types of clutch release bearings
Today there are two types of clutch release bearings:
- mechanical;
- hydraulic;
When using a hydraulic bearing, the driver does not have to make any serious efforts to depress the clutch pedal. Meanwhile, hydraulic system, by definition, is more difficult, which means it requires more attention, care and is less reliable.
Causes of failure of the clutch release bearing
Release bearings run long enough, with the clutch working correctly, one and a half hundred thousand kilometers is not so much for them. The main reason why such bearings fail is driver error. It is the driver, with improper use of the clutch, that is able to shorten, and shorten significantly, the life of the release bearing. Most of all, the clutch release bearing does not like situations when, with the gear engaged, the clutch pedal is depressed for a long time. Meanwhile, this is a favorite technique of inexperienced drivers when they have to move in a dense stream of cars, or even in traffic jams.
Clutch release bearing failure
The malfunction of this part is accompanied by fairly eloquent and understandable signs that, with high precision indicate that it is time to replace the release bearing. Among these signs, the following can be noted:
- whistling or squealing in the clutch pedal area;
- knocking when pressing the clutch pedal when the engine is running;
- jerks when engaging and disengaging the clutch;
- difficult switching on and off gears;
In most cases, the appearance of one or more of these symptoms tells you that it's time to change the clutch release bearing. But, a knock in the clutch does not always mean bearing wear or other damage. If such a knock occurs during the cold season, then perhaps this knock is quite normal. The fact is that the bearing itself is made of high-strength steel, which is not affected by low or high temperatures. The glass, in which the release bearing is located, is made of a material that is more susceptible to thermal stress. Therefore, in winter, a knock in the clutch does not necessarily indicate wear on the release bearing. But of course, if a knock appears in combination with other signs of bearing wear, it should be interpreted in this way.
The release bearing is one of the main elements of the clutch in the car. Its wear and tear will lead to malfunctions in the system, resulting in the need to replace the device. In this article, we will talk about the signs of a malfunction that are characteristic of the release bearing and what the failure of this part is fraught with for a car.
[ Hide ]
Types of release bearings
Before we find out for what reasons the failure occurs and what problems the wear of the bearing device for an Accent car or another model will bring, we will analyze the types of parts.
To date, two types of devices are used in clutch and gear shift systems:
- Ball or roller. Mechanical parts in which the force is transmitted through a rigid linkage of rods.
- hydraulic elements. In such devices, the force is transmitted through hydraulics. This allows the driver to more easily depress the clutch pedal. Almost all new cars are equipped with hydraulic bearings.
- Mechanical. Practically not used. Previously, Russian-made cars were equipped with such parts.
Operating principle
The purpose of the device is to smoothly connect and disconnect the clutch discs when the driver presses the pedal.
The principle of operation is as follows:
- Through the action of the pressure plate, the driven shaft is pressed against the clutch flywheel.
- The system generates pressure, which is applied to the pressure shaft, this is ensured through the use of a diaphragm spring. A bearing device acts on its inner petals.
- The part moves, resulting in the separation of the shafts through the action of the fork.
User Alexei Romanov released a video that will allow you to understand the principle of operation of the clutch system and release bearing.
Causes and signs of failure
If the bearing has fallen apart or just fails, this will lead to malfunctions in the clutch system.
If the bearing is failing, it is usually because the device has worn out as a result of constant use under high load conditions. Often the cause of a worn and broken device is holding the clutch pedal for a long time at the included speed. When the driver makes such a mistake, standing idle in traffic jams, heavy loads are placed on the device, which leads to its breakdown. Another reason why parts fail is due to natural wear and tear. If the bearing element is faulty, this can be determined by some symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a release bearing failure:
- The main symptom of a failed component is the appearance of extraneous sound. This is usually a noise or thud that can be heard when depressing the car's clutch pedal. The type of sound may vary. Sometimes the device makes a quiet noise, crunches, crackles or knocks hard. The louder the sound, the more likely it is that the device has worn out and fallen apart.
- If the part does not squeak, signs may appear in the difficulties of controlling the machine. Sometimes the driver fails to turn on a certain speed. In some cases, when the car starts moving, it twitches uncharacteristically.
- Clutch slip or incomplete disengagement. When the driver releases the pedal, slippage occurs, and a burning smell appears.
- Pedal free play has increased. Dynamics vehicle worsens, the car moves unevenly.
- Sometimes the failure of the release bearing leads to an increase in fuel consumption and even overheating of the engine.
The VAZ 2101-2107 REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE channel has published a video from which you can learn about malfunctions, as well as diagnostics of the release bearing device.
How to check the release bearing
How to know if a device needs to be replaced:
- Start the vehicle's engine. Listen to how the machine works, if there are any extraneous sounds.
- Press your foot on the clutch pedal. If noises appear after starting the engine, and then they disappear when the clutch is depressed, then a detailed diagnosis of the transmission system should be performed. If the sounds remain the same or become louder, then the bearing device must be changed.
Changing the release bearing
Read more about how to remove from the coupling and dismantle the bearing device:
- Remove the gearbox. This will provide free access to all components and elements of the transmission and clutch system.
- Disengage the spring clip from the clutch. To do this, use a screwdriver or other improvised tool.
- Remove the failed release bearing from the guide sleeve. To do this, you need to press the 4 clips of the spring mount and remove it. After dismantling the device from the coupling, carefully inspect the device for defects and malfunctions. Make sure the part is broken and needs to be replaced.
- Before changing and installing a new bearing, it must be checked. Delays in the rotation of the device are not allowed, as are gaps. If the part is operational, then put the clutch in place. When mounting, make sure that the inner protruding part of the ring is directed to the side. After installation, the element must be fixed with a mount.
- Apply to the guide lubricant, after which the bearing device is installed. The part is attached with a holder.
- The removed gearbox is being installed, the operability of the device is checked.
1. Remove the gearbox from the machine 2. Disconnect the mount from the coupling 3. Depress four fasteners and change part
Removing the checkpoint
The procedure for dismantling the transmission may vary depending on the design features cars. The removal of the unit should be carried out with an assistant. Before dismantling, the car battery is disconnected and removed, as well as the transmission fluid is drained.
How to remove the gearbox:
- Disconnect the clutch pedal cable. Remove it from the bracket.
- Disconnect the block with wires from the speed sensor mounted on the box. Be careful not to damage the connector. To turn off, press the latches.
- Use a wrench to remove the bolts that secure the ignition module bracket to the transmission. Also unscrew the screws securing the transmission to the power unit.
- At the bottom of the gearbox you will see the connectors, they must be disconnected.
- Remove all screws that secure the bracket jet thrust to the gearbox housing. It is necessary to loosen the clamp of the clamp of the thrust, which is designed to switch speeds. Disconnect this element from the hinge.
- Dismantle the wheel drives. Remove another nut that secures the gearbox to the engine.
- Remove the three screws and remove the gearbox housing cover. It remains to unscrew one more bolt that secures the unit to the engine.
- Under the bottom of the machine, find the nuts that secure the left and back support ICE machines. After that, the gearbox must be carefully moved along the guides. The dismantling of the gearbox is carried out with the help of a partner. Change the release bearing and reinstall the gearbox. Fill in new oil.
1. Disconnect the plug with wire from the speed control sensor 2. Unscrew the screws securing the bracket with a wrench 3. Remove the screw securing the gearbox to the engine 4. Dismantle the car wheel drives
Consequences of failure
As for the consequences, if the device breaks down, this will lead to the appearance of noise uncharacteristic for the operation of the car. Over time, the noise may get worse. There will be a crack, a crunch. As a result, when the bearing is completely worn out and falls apart, it will be difficult to engage gears. It will be difficult for the driver to switch the gearshift lever. Over time, gear shifting will become impossible.
How to extend the resource?
To increase the service life of the device, it is necessary to drive on smooth roads. In our country, this condition is problematic to comply with. Keep in mind that rough roads destroy not only undercarriage vehicle, but also the clutch system. Therefore, regular off-road driving is also dangerous for bearings. Do not make mistakes when operating a car. When the car is at a traffic light, do not depress the clutch pedal and engage first gear if you do not plan to move. This should be done only at the beginning of the movement, since the part works under high loads. To increase the service life of the device will allow its regular lubrication.
A car is a relatively complex structure, in the modern world one cannot do without this miracle of invention. It consists of a large number of interconnected mechanisms. One of them is the clutch system.
If the components of this mechanism break down, the engine will not stop working, but you will not be able to start moving. Motorists should have a good understanding of the structure of the car in order to prevent damage to this mechanism. In this article, we will talk about the clutch release bearing, the signs of a malfunction in this part, and what to do if it breaks.
The process of shifting gears in a car takes place due to the separation of clutch discs (clutch systems with two discs predominate in production), the release bearing is one of the components of this operation, it is he who separates the drive disc from the driven one. The release bearing creates pressure that separates the discs and stops the input shaft from moving without stopping the engine.
Why does a throwout bearing fail?
The included gear plus long-term holding of the clutch most often leads to premature destruction of the release bearing. By making such a mistake in plugs, you are thus subjecting the bearing to large loads, which shorten its service life. It is worth noting that breakdowns in the clutch system, most often, are pursued by beginners who have only recently got behind the wheel and have not yet learned how to properly operate the car.
There is a misconception among drivers, many people think that only when the car is moving, the release bearing rotates. This is not at all the case; when the clutch is depressed, a torque drive is supplied to the clip. Parts wear out quickly precisely because of improper use of the clutch.
There are two types of clutch bearings:
- Ball (roller), consisting of mechanical units that transmit force to the bearing due to a cruel bunch of rods. This design is also the most common;
- Hydraulic - differ from ball bearings in the presence of hydraulics, which makes it easier to depress the clutch pedal.
Signs of a failed clutch release bearing
Any extraneous sounds when the car is running - a harbinger of an imminent breakdown. And the release bearing is no exception. A sign of bearing failure in the first place is noise, most often a knock, when you press the clutch pedal. The nature of the sound can be very diverse (strong crunch, or incipient crackling). The louder the noise, the more damage to the clutch system.
Remember that at different times of the year, noise can indicate different problems. If you hear a knock in the winter, you should not be scared right away, perhaps this is just a change in the size of the bearing cup due to a decrease in the air temperature outside. But knocking in the summer is a harbinger of numerous problems.
In the clutch release bearing, signs of a malfunction can manifest themselves not only by sound. Gears may not turn on at all, or the car will twitch when starting to move. Also, the car may make a whistle, a screech in the clutch pedal area, difficulty shifting gears. In any case, it is definitely impossible to ignore such signs. If you delay the repair, this will entail a number of malfunctions, one of them is the destruction of the clutch discs.
Troubleshooting the car's clutch system
When noise appears, it is quite simple to determine the breakdown of the release bearing. To do this, try the following algorithm of actions:
- Start the engine and try to listen to the noise of the car;
- Then depress the clutch pedal.
If the unnatural sound disappears at the same time, the transmission is most likely the cause of the malfunction. And if the noise has not changed or has become even louder, then the problem is in the release bearing.
It should be noted that the stages of bearing wear can be different, each stage will be accompanied by different sound effects (noise, hum, crackling). If the bearing breaks, the sound should come from the gearbox area. Do not confuse these sounds with those that occur when the clutch pedal is not even depressed. Since the sounds that appear without pressing the pedal indicate another failure - a malfunction of the input shaft bearing.
If, nevertheless, the bearing has become unusable, you will have to change it, do it yourself or with the help of a specialist, the solution is individual. We hope that this material was useful to you. Now you know the main signs of a clutch release bearing malfunction, how to identify a breakdown, and for what reasons it most often fails.