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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - modern release bearing question

Howdy,

a lot of folks with carbon disc release bearing issues this week. Has anyone here used instead of the original carbon disc, the modern roller bearing release bearing available from Moss, or Peter May?

I like the idea of a modern bearing, but only if there aren't any downsides to the conversion.


Norm
Norm Kerr

I have the modern version on my datsun 5 speed... its nice.

I think its worth it... give it a try

Ask the group about the concentric release bearing ... NoW that is nice, several of the BBS has them

Not sure where to get one at... but tilton engineering make a good concentric release, Im just not sure how universial it is.

Prop
Prop

have used one on the racecar; the problem is the weight of the bearing, it exacerbates any lateral free play at the clutch arm pivot, and the centre of the bearing ends up rubbing on the input shaft. Then the bearing engages with the clutch cover off centre and can screw up the release fingers in a terminal way. Different types of bearing have been tried by several suppliers; if you can find a lightweight bearing and make a carrier in ally, and take great care with rebushing the clutch arm and fitting it, then they can be made to work.
David Smith

Alternatively use a concentric hydraulic release bearing and bin the crappy clutch arm pivot.

Makes bleeding the clutch a doddle too!
Deborah Evans


I've had one fitted just over a year. I bought it for a bargain price on eBay - it's not the PM one, the guy told me he'd bought it for a Minor.

I had to lengthen the slave cylinder rod to get the throw right, but have had absolutely no problems with it since.

Here's a picture of the old and new bearings - the old one was a bit of a state, as you can see...


MarkH1


Also - learnt at the same time that the bolt that acts as a pivot is best not replaced by a set screw! Another one of those previous owner things - you look at it and think "why?"

Slightly fizzy pictue, but the one on the right is the one that I removed - you can see how the threads have destroyed the bush.


MarkH1

I had one made years ago by a local engineering complany when I had my first midget. I was geting through carbon bearings every six months or so and got fed up with it. I had an adaptor made up that fitted into an early 1098 bearing shell with the carbon removed and fitted a 1500 release bearing race on that. It was a little heavy but I didn't have any more trouble with the clutch after that. cost me a couple of release bearings and a drink for the apprentice that did the work.
D Brown

I have had the Peter May one for about Ten years, its been no problem at all.
Dave Barrow

Does anyone make a concentric hydraulic release bearing for a 1500?

Les
l snowdon

key with the carbon one is the space around the input shaft.
most disintigrate due to contact with that.
If fitted properly it should live as long as your clutch.

The roler release ones are nice though

Onno Könemann

We use a Caterham Roller Release Bearing with the plastic section at the back of it turned down to fit onto an aluminium insert which is pressed into the cast section of the standard carbon release bearing.

It's worked fine until Oulton where Nev was a little over brutal on the start line.

Deborah, I've heard horror stories from various sources regarding those Concentric Hydraulic release bearing thingies and how difficult they are to set up correctly, your opinion would be interesting!

A.
Andrew McGee

Not really difficult even for a numbers numpty like me Andrew

measure the amount of space you have inside the bellhousing (Aseries here but I imagine any would be similar in context)

Then measure the height from the backplate to the diaphragm face

allow about 8-10mm movement on the release bearing

make spacers to suit

simples

the example shown had sufficient space to work, I thought

It does


bill sdgpm

measuring clutch dimensions for fitting CSC

Primitive but sufficient

The flywheel on my car has a spacer between it and the crank so the Peter May rear seal can fit

which is why I haven't measured everything for the future, your size would be different




you may notice my guard dog in the picture

talk about a "beady eye" huh?

:)


bill sdgpm

This thread was discussed between 22/06/2010 and 23/06/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.