How to Replace a Throw Out Bearing

Drive the car up on the wheel ramps and set the parking break. Jack up the rear of the car using floor jack and place on jack stands.

Disconnect the battery cables from the battery. Mark the driveshaft yoke ends for re-installation and loosen the drive shaft bolts. Remove the drive shaft and lay to the side.

Loosen transmission bolts slightly and place the barrel floor jack with a block of wood under the engine oil pan and support the engine.

Place the transmission jack under the transmission and secure holding straps in place around it. Unscrew and remove the bolts that secure the clutch bellhousing to the engine crankcase.

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

Check that none of the metal fingers, with the transmission removed, on the pressure plate are distorted or bent.

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

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

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

At this point, 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 these parts should be replaced on installation.

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

Release and detach the retainer spring clip assembly from the ball pivot in the bellhousing. Remove the withdrawal lever along with the clutch release bearing (throwout 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.

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.