Experience Dealership line mechanic on MG, Triumph, Jaguar for 15 years, Instructor in commercial mechanics school 2 yr. Product information manager for piston and valve manufacture, Instructor & hotline answer man for import car parts importer 15 yrs.
Organizations Associate member SAE
EAA member
Publications Import Car magazine
Education/Credentials ASE Master Auto with L-1 certification up to 2000
Question QUESTION: I have a Tr2 which I've just got back on the road after 3 years of being laid up. The clutch generally works ok but occasionally will stick in the engaged position. I replaced all clutch master & slave seals. The push rod from the slave & lever still operates ok. I believe that this is probably the thrust bearing jamming on the shaft. Any solutions is this a lubricated bearing?
ANSWER: Hi David,
The clutch release bearing is mounted on a slider that is activated by the clutch arm which is moved by the slave cylinder push rod. This slider can get rusty and stick on the tube that it is mounted on. It would be difficult to get oil on this tube without the danger of getting oil on the clutch itself. (If that is the problem)
Are you sure that there is no hydraulic pressure still applied when the clutch is not working correctly. Another question, you said "will stick in the engaged position" Do you mean disengaged position? (slipping) "engaged position" would mean you can't get it to release and can't get it in gear without gear clash.
Let me know,
Howard
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Howard, yes I did mean stuck in the engaged position, it is in gear but there's no drive. Having renewed clutch hydraulic seals, I adjusted the lever as per the manual, ie with .075 play. But I noticed subsequently when I checked, the play had been taken up! That presumably implies that there's still hydraulic pressure being applied! Dave
Answer Dave, when a clutch has no drive and you have no free play, it is possible that the hydraulic system is still applying pressure. To test this just loosen the clutch line to see if the pressure is released. If fluid comes out quickly then there is pressure meaning you have a master cylinder problem. Even if the release bearing slider were sticking on the tube that it rides on it would not cause the free play to go away. Only the master cylinder or a sticking clutch pedal can do that.
Howard
