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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Screeching clutch part 2

Few weeks ago I had a screeching clutch - but only when pedal was depressed and released.
Consensus of opinion seems to be that it is the spigot bearing.
I put up with it but can stand it no longer so the engine & gearbox had to come out.
Question is - is there a tried & trusted method for getting the bush out (seen articles about packing it with grease then walloping a suitable size drift into the bush and forcing it out) but wondering if there was an easy way!
Clutch is new only 500 miles.
Thanks.
Jeremy 3

The grease method has always worked for me, but never for Prop. Oops, I need to amend that inasmuch as it did not work for me on Trish's Miata, because that uses a ballbearing and the grease just comes right on through. Of course, the more the spigot bush needs replaced (wear), the less effective the grease method is. I would try the grease method first, then try either a large screw or a tap that could cut threads into the spigot bush as it goes and force the spigot bush out as it bottoms out on the crankshaft. Next size up over 1/2" should work.
David "I prefer my midget" Lieb
David Lieb

Thanks David,

I'll try the grease method and if that fails then your suggestion of the tap. A good deal of cursing will help help it out too.
I read somewhere that you should soak them in oil for a few days (like the steering column felt bushes) - is that right?

Jeremy
missing it already!
Jeremy 3

Jeremy,

You can soak them in oil for 24 hours or if you're in a hurry one method that is often mentioned is to put the bush on your finger, fill with oil then squeeze with another finger to provide pressure to force the oil into and through the pores in the bush so you see oil seeping out on the outside of the bush. I have seen that in production the bushes are placed in a container which is then evacuated and then flooded with oil so the oil fills the pores in the bush very rapidly, in that way many thousand can be charged with oil in a short period of time.
David Billington

David thanks,

I think that's where I went wrong when reassembling as I put only a smear of synthetic grease on the shaft and it worked for a while...

Jeremy
Jeremy 3

The grease method works great, just find a bolt that fits the hole, fill the hole with grease and tap the bolt into the hole. Lots of hydraulic pressure there to do the work for you. It will make a bit of a mess, but what doesn't?
Tom

This thread was discussed between 03/07/2008 and 07/07/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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