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MG MGA - Release bearing question

Hi folks. I have a question about the carbon release bearing for an MGA 1500. The release bearing I pulled out of my MGA 1500 has a small, thin casting. The replacement release bearing I received has a somewhat larger casting. The new release bearing physically fits onto the clutch fork. I am wondering if it is OK to use this somewhat different release bearing, or whether it will somehow cause difficulty? Any information is appreciated. Cheers, GLenn
Glenn Hedrich

Glenn, This is a new Borg & Beck release bearing purchased about 35 years ago. Mike


m.j. moore

Hi Glenn - the really important issue is how much 'throw' the bearing has - i.e. place the two bearings face down, side by side, and see if they're the same overall height. Had two different ones for a midget once - both with the same part number - the 'new' one wouldn't release properly, took me ages to work it out!
Best of luck
Andy
A S Duff

Hi MJ. THat looks like the new release bearing that I have. Did it work ok in your MGA? Is your MGA 1500 or 1600? shouldnt really make a difference I guess. Cheers, GLenn
Glenn Hedrich

Hi AS. The new bearing seems to be a bit "higher" than the old one, however, I suspect that the hydraulic system would perhaps "compensate" for the difference. Even if the new release bearing was a bit more "forward" than the old one, I think the clutch pushrod pushrod would push the piston in the slave cylinder back, essentially compensating for the difference. Anyone have any opinions on this issue? Cheers, Glenn
Glenn Hedrich

Hi again Glenn - all pushrod MGAs have the same release bearing (indeed, from memory the Twink has the same type although it's donkey's years since I worked on a Twink). Always the possibility of a problem with 'pattern' parts - the curse of the 21st century shade tree mechanic. Note that the MGB, although very similar, is not the same part!
Regards
Andy

Incidentally, thinking about this overnight, whilst you've got it all in bits, do fit a new pushrod and clevis pin for the clutch slave cylinder - every little bit of wear here magnifies itself at the pedal end. Personally I'd also replace the slave and its hose as well (they're a sod to change in situ)
A S Duff

Hi Glenn, if it's too far forward you may have a problem with the clutch not wanting to disemgage properly (equals clutch drag and a lousy gearchange) - however, it would soon wear down (grins!). Are you replacing the whole clutch at the same time? Do check that the centre plate fits the gearbox splines ok and don't forget to grease the splines(sorry if this is teaching you to suck eggs - most of this I learned the hard way!). I'm fitting a new slave to mine this afternoon - I fully expect bleeding it to be a complete joy!
Cheers
Andy
A S Duff

Speaking of things that should get checked for possible replacement when you have the Transmission out, don't forget that the clutch release lever and a shouldered bolt and bushing that can wear. Both the bushing and the bolt are inexpensive parts and worth replacing now if they show any wear.
Keith Lowman

Glenn, your new bearing looks just like my old one.
Art Pearse

Hi Art. Did your old release bearing work OK? Thanks, Glenn
Glenn Hedrich

I don't know Glenn. I never drove this car (yet!). I will replace it as there is a chip out of the carbon.
Art Pearse

Hi Art. was the release bearing in used condition? Is the carbon face worn, indicating that the release bearing was working? Thanks, GLenn
Glenn Hedrich

Glenn, yes, it looks used.
Art Pearse

Hi All. Well, I got the engine and tranny back in the car. The transmission shifts well with the new but somewhat different/thicker release bearing. So it appears that the hydraulics do compensate for the thicker release bearing as I suspected. I hope this info is of value to someone else. Cheers, GLenn
Glenn Hedrich

This thread was discussed between 25/08/2009 and 08/09/2009

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