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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - roller release bearing - longevity

The only way I can get my 7.5 inch clutch to release is to extend the clutch release push rod so far that I'm sure the roller bearing (Peter May) is touching the clutch fingers and, if so, is probably rotating at engine speed. How long is the bearing going to last like that?

I have done all the other necessary things like bleeding the clutch, eliminating all slop in the linkages.
Chris H (1970 Midget 1275)

As I understand it most clutches with concentric release bearings run with light contact at all times.

(I have this in a book someplace, a clutch component manufacturer's parts book)

Mine does, so far so good…

I haven't heard of any problems caused by it but manufacturers do advise that replacing the bearings is part of the maintenance task when fitting new clutches along with the actual concentric slave cylinder.

Not that I have yet after several years of use and a few engine in and out sessions.
Bill 1

From what ive heard on improper fiited rivergate set ups with the bearing making contact is about 500 miles

Ive heard that a 1500 slave has a longer throw, but does require some shaving to fit properly

Prop
Prop

Hi Chris
Have you changed it since I fitted your pushrod? if not it will be fine as there is no pressure on the fingers from the release bearing, how many miles have you done?
dont forget the more the clutch is used the tollerance between the bearing and the fingers will become greater.
My bearing has been the the same now for 2 years with no problems, I have changed the clutch but not the bearing and its still ok.
Btw I thought you would have come to midget 50 with the Corley crew ??
Rob Newt

Hi Rob

Sorry I missed you at Midget50 - I wanted to join the Chorley crew but decided to avoid motorways as 'running in' is so boring on them.

Re the clutch, it worked fine for a few miles (say 200 miles) but then got progressively worse so that by the time I arrived at Midget50 I could not engage 1st gear at all. Later investigation found the nut on the end of the pushrod was very, very loose so I figure it just worked its way down the thread slightly. I have now fitted a lock nut so that should sort it but it seemed necessary to have the bearing just touching the clutch fingers. I'll see how it goes for a while.

PS sorry not to have replied before but I was in Berlin for all of last week (and never saw a single MG but lots of classic Minis).

Chris
Chris H (1970 Midget 1275)

I have the same issue on my car at the moment, though a slightly different setup, Hillman 7.5" pressure plate with Toyota clutch plate and Toyota gearbox with bellhousing to suit A Series engine and clutch assembly. I am using a roller release from a local supplier as used with standard ribcase box. I have extended the slave release arm a lot, and every few hundred km it seems to need a bit more. The master has been rebuilt, play has been removed from all linkages, and the slave cylinder is new. I am now at the point of wondering whether to fit a larger bore master cylinder, or extend the master pushrod/modify the clutch pedal to give more travel. It's been a royal pain!
AndrewF

Too true Andrew! This clutch issue has taken some of the pleasure out of fitting a new 'hot' engine for me. I have continued to see if I can get a better adjustment and am a little happier now as I managed to bleed out a small air bubble from the slave cylinder. While that has not completely solved the problem, it certainly eased it a bit.

PS Peter May told me at Midget50 that he had solved this problem and now supplies a different release bearing. Be that as it may (sic) I'm not going to remove the engine to change the bearing unless I get really p****d off with it.
Chris H (1970 Midget 1275)

This helped me in the original setup
Flip


Flip Brühl 948 frog 59

I'm in the same situation - it has made getting the best from the new engine and gearbox (I did both at once) difficult. I have another pesky and difficult to find problem too - a slight miss that only occurs under load after 15-20 minutes of driving - and between the 2 it has been very frustrating! And now the starter has died earlier this week... I'm very thankful that I have a great and helpful parts supplier, or I would have set it on fire by now!
AndrewF

This thread was discussed between 27/06/2011 and 15/07/2011

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