Every car periodically needs replacement of the release bearing. Not only comfort, but also the safety of movement by car depends on its condition. After reading the article, you will learn how the bearing works, what functions it performs, what signs will tell about its malfunction and how to replace it.
The role of the release bearing
Clear gear shifting on mechanics is possible only when the primary shaft of the gearbox (gearbox) is disconnected from the engine. This principle is true for any machine with mechanical transmission... The clutch disc is in constant contact with the flywheel, due to the fact that the basket presses the disc against its surface. To disconnect the input shaft of the gearbox from the engine, it is necessary to press the release fork on the basket, forcing it to squeeze the petals and release the disc. For this it is necessary release bearing(VP), which transfers the force from the fork to the rotating clutch basket. When pressing the clutch pedal, cable or hydraulic drive activates the gearbox plug. In turn, the fork, with the help of a bearing, presses on the basket and disconnects the transmission from the engine. Such a device is used on those clutches where there is one disc. A clutch where more than one disc is installed, the basket works a little differently. The basket releases the first disc, then the springs move the second disc away from the flywheel surface. On all vehicles with manual transmission it stands in the clutch bell (housing), at the end of the fork that connects the basket and the clutch actuator.
How to determine the state of a VP
The main signs of a part malfunction are extraneous sounds (the bearing makes noise or whistles) when the clutch pedal is fully depressed and the engine is running. To check the bearing, squeeze the clutch at different speeds. It is advisable to perform this operation together, if the part is noisy, it is better heard not from the cab, but from the side of the hood. If it makes noise only in a small rev range, then most likely the problem is in some kind of poorly tightened nut. If the part makes noise at any engine speed, then this indicates a bearing malfunction, therefore it must be replaced. If you hear these signs while driving on the highway, do not be alarmed. From malfunction to jamming, it will work at least 10 thousand kilometers. After all, the bearing makes noise due to the wear of the rollers and the vibration caused by this, and the principle of its operation is such that it is very far from noise to destruction.
Bearing replacement tools
To work you will need:
- pit, overpass, lift or jack, two props and wheel chocks;
- a set of spanner and open-end wrenches;
- stand to support the box.
If you are repairing a front wheel drive car, then you will need:
- hub nut wrench;
- new hub nut;
- chisel;
- hammer.
Replacing the VP
Roll your car onto an overpass, pit or lift. If this is not possible, jack the front left side and support it. Then lift up the front right side and prop up.
Do not work under a car without a partner. If something goes wrong, he can lift the car and pull you out, or at least call for help. Be sure to remove the terminal from the battery.
If you are repairing a front wheel drive vehicle, first loosen the front wheel and hub nuts.
After picking up the car, remove the checkpoint. On rear-wheel drive cars, this requires unscrewing 4-6 nuts and bolts that connect the flanges cardan shaft and a secondary shaft of the gearbox. After that, move the shaft to the side so that it does not interfere with the dismantling of the box. Remember, the box weighs 10 or more kilograms, and complete with transfer case its weight can be up to 50 kilograms. If you have an off-road off-road vehicle, then before removing the gearbox, unscrew the bolts and nuts that connect the flange of the transfer case and the front shaft. If you have an off-road vehicle with independent front suspension, first disconnect the rear shaft, then proceed in the same way as with front-wheel drive vehicles.
If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, then the release bearing should be replaced as follows. Remove the front wheels, unscrew the hub nuts, remove the thick metal washers from the CV joint shaft. Then remove the steering pin nut and ball nuts / bolts. Pull the steering pin out of the rack using a puller. Press the hub down, remove the strut from the CV joint shaft and take it to the side.
After that, on front and rear wheel drive vehicles, support the gearbox. On powerful SUVs if possible, it is necessary to maintain the checkpoint from the passenger compartment. Disconnect the clutch hydraulic or cable drive and remove all nuts holding the bell to the engine. Pull on the box to slide the input shaft out of the engine. Place the box on the table.
Press the VP lock and remove it from the input shaft. The installation of a new VP must be carried out in the reverse order. 
Do not forget to lubricate the splines of the input shaft with grease (Litol or its analogs). On front wheel drive vehicles Install new hub nuts and, after tightening to the required torque, tighten them with a chisel and hammer. After installing the shafts, be sure to check whether you have tightened all the nuts, whether you have placed the lock washers everywhere.
Self-repair is not difficult
Now you know the main symptoms of a malfunction of this unit and the principle of its operation, you understand what to do if it makes noise and you can replace it yourself. This will help you keep your vehicle in good working order. The repair technology is applicable to all machines where a cable or hydraulic clutch drive is installed.
It is helpful for the driver to know all the signs of a malfunctioning clutch release bearing. After all, problems with this element usually begin unexpectedly. And the continuation of the operation of a car with such a malfunction can lead to a complete failure of the clutch. Traction failure on the road is an unpleasant problem that cannot be easily solved.
The car has to be towed to the garage, which is a rather laborious process. A tow truck is not cheap. It is much easier to monitor the condition of the bearing and the rest of the clutch well in advance. It will keep you safe from possible problems on my way.
Device
Symptoms of a malfunctioning clutch release bearing directly stem from the structure of this part. At the moment, two types of such bearings are used in automotive clutch systems:
- Roller (mechanical);
- Hydraulic;
The release bearing, contrary to popular belief, does not spin all the time. It comes into operation only when the clutch is depressed. At this moment, the bearing squeezes out the disk, and the torque is transmitted to it. Therefore, it is not recommended to keep the clutch squeezed out for a long time, this increases the load and, accordingly, wear.
The mechanical bearing consists of two elements. The main part is the bearing race itself. A plastic casing is located on top of it, and the drive lever is attached to it. The hydraulic bearing features an outer casing structure. It is able to move relative to the cage when pressure is supplied from the hydraulic drive system.
Danger to the bearing
The first and most important danger is described in the previous part of the article. Therefore, never keep your foot on the clutch pedal all the time.Another hazard that often leads to breakdowns is an external factor. Many drivers drive through mud, puddles, snow. Some are forced to do this because of the poor quality of the roads, while others go fishing and hunting. In any case, water and dirt gets under the bell of the box. Because of this, the grease contained in the release bearing loses its properties. This leads to increased wear and tear, and, accordingly, the failure of the part.
The average bearing life is about 150,000 kilometers. In case of negligent use or bad roads, this period is reduced by 3 times.
Symptoms of malfunctions
The release bearing is quite reliable, but it still breaks sometimes. To avoid complete failure, it is necessary to diagnose the failure in a timely manner. Timely replacement will save you from unnecessary hassle in the event of an unexpected refusal.
The first sign is a knock that appears when the clutch is squeezed out (the engine is running). This indicates the beginning of the destruction of this structural element. But there is one nuance here. If the knock is observed only in frosty weather, and after the engine warms up, it disappears, then there is no breakdown. It's all about the plastic casing. In the cold, it shrinks somewhat and the clip begins to knock. After warming up the engine and gearbox, everything returns to normal.
If, while squeezing the clutch, you hear a whistle from the side of the pedal, then most likely the release has run out of lubricant. or replace with a new one. Also, in very rare cases, a sign of a malfunction may be the impossibility of switching on the gear. This happens in the event of a complete destruction of the bearing. What happens very rarely is that the part is made of high-strength steel.
Repair and service
Like any spare part in the car, the release bearing requires attention. At the first sign of a malfunction, replace it with a new one. During operation, it is advisable to lubricate it periodically; this should be done every 70,000 kilometers. If the machine is operated in difficult road conditions, then it is better to reduce this mileage.
Even if there is a knocking and whistling sound, you should finally make sure that the problem is in the bearing. To do this, you will have to remove the box. The only way to determine the condition of a part is to pick it up. Replacement bearings require damage - cracks, chips. Check how free it spins. Even the slightest wedging is unacceptable. If no signs of malfunction are found, then you can lubricate it and reinstall it. The problem will most likely go away.
The clutch is considered the most important mechanism in manual transmission machines, and the release bearing is one of the most important parts. How does this node work? What are the possible malfunctions, and how do they manifest themselves? What is worth knowing about the algorithm for replacing a faulty bearing? Let's consider these points in more detail.
Release bearing simple and hydraulic
The clutch release bearing is of two types, with mechanical and hydraulic action. If the first force is transmitted with the help of rods, cables, then the second with the help of hydraulics, the feature of which is assistance when pressing on clutch pedal. The task of the clutch is to smoothly separate the engine and transmission at the time of gear shifting to the required position.
The device and purpose of the release bearing
Let's try to explain in a simpler way how it all works. The release bearing is designed quite simply, it consists of a clutch and a bearing onto which it is pressed (pictured below). It is located on the flange of the input shaft of the gearbox, along which it moves, of course, depending on the depressing of the clutch pedal.
Its operation is quite simple and consists in the following, you depress the clutch pedal, after which, due to the rods or cable(VAZ 2108 and subsequent models) or hydraulics (VAZ 2101-2107), the force is transmitted to the clutch fork, which in turn moves the release bearing along the input shaft flange, which in turn presses on the clutch basket petals, after which the discs are separated and the clutch is disengaged , at this moment there is a gear change.
If you release the pedal, the release bearing returns to its original position, like the diaphragm spring petals, that is, the bearing pressure does not occur on them and the disks, driven, pressure and flywheel are connected and the clutch is engaged. That is, in principle, the whole work of the release bearing.
In the photo a coupling with a bearing
It is enough to press the clutch pedal to start the mechanism. Moreover, when the pedal is held for a long time in the actuated state, the bearing experiences an increased load. As a result, the wear rate of the part increases, and subsequently the main unit also breaks down.
So what is a clutch release bearing for? Primarily for combining and separating the clutch when the pedal is actuated, that is, to ensure the operability of the mechanism.
How to recognize a broken release bearing?
Like other car parts, the unit in question does not last forever and is subject to natural wear and tear. The release bearing works when the pedal is depressed, therefore the service life of the device also depends on the frequency of operations.
In addition, the release bearing breaks down faster in car owners who do not take their foot off the clutch pedal. A breakdown can be recognized by many signs, ignoring which can cause the mechanism to fail.
Faults in the clutch release bearing can be recognized by the following symptoms:
- The appearance of extraneous sounds.
- When you press the pedal, noise, whistle.
- Difficulty shifting gears.
It is not recommended to ignore the breakdown, because the result can be clutch failure and the inability to operate the machine. Release bearing problems are usually related to wear.
Here the key is:
- Operating conditions (ingress of dirt, water or other foreign objects).
- Mechanical stress level.
- Temperature conditions and vibrations.
A characteristic sign of a breakdown of a release bearing is a "death" squeal, signaling the need to replace it; if this is not done, the bearing may collapse or jam.
How to get to the service station if the bearing is seized?
In the event of a bearing breakdown, the movement can be continued in several ways, of course, with the help of a tug and without a clutch, that is, without depressing the pedals.
To get to the service station yourself, do the following:
- Include first speed.
- Start up the starter.
- After starting the movement, release the gas and move the gearshift lever to the 2nd speed position.
- Accelerate and switch to 3rd speed. At the same time, catch the moment when the speeds of the motor and shaft will be approximately at the same level.
Remember that this method is not recommended due to the risk of "ditching" the clutch basket and possibly even the gearbox. As soon as you managed to get to the service station, ask to change the bearing and, if necessary, it costs at the same time, change the clutch. If there is no extra money, installation work new part you can do it yourself. A short sequence of actions is given below.
Self replacement
In principle, you can change the bearing yourself if you have at least some experience and you have tools, a place in the garage, a pit, an overpass.
Dismantling the release bearing is done as follows:
- Unscrew all the bolts that connect the gearbox and engine.
- Remove the gearbox
- Disconnect the bearing from the yoke engagement.
- Dismantle the bearing.
- Change to a new one.
- Install everything in reverse order.
Note! The new release bearing should be free from wedging, rattling, crunching, or lubrication.
The factory resource of the release bearing is on average 130-150 thousand kilometers. In practice, this parameter is lower due to a number of negative factors - driving on bad roads, lack of experience from drivers or poor quality of used parts. As a result, the unit serves half as long and requires replacement after 70 thousand kilometers.
Video for replacing the bearing and fork.
Moreover, to carry out such work, it is not necessary to contact the service station. The main thing is to diagnose the problem in a timely manner and follow the manufacturer's recommendations when replacing it. Also, put only original parts, which differ in the maximum resource. Good luck on the road and, of course, no breakdowns.
One of the most important parts of a manual transmission vehicle is the clutch. It is thanks to him that a short-term separation of the master and driven disks occurs. This allows for a smooth start of movement. vehicle, as well as subsequent switching from one gear to another. The very process of disengaging the clutch is carried out by a release bearing (release clutch) - the part displaces the driven disc from the drive.
The quality and service life of the bearing is quite large and breakdowns of the clutch assembly associated specifically with the release clutch are rare. And yet, it is worth remembering that with a worn bearing, further use of the car will become impossible. For this reason, at the first sign of a malfunction, care should be taken to replace the part.
Types and principle of action
There are two main types of release bearings:
Mechanical
Hydraulic
Combined.
Mechanical couplings can now be found only on cars of the Soviet automobile industry. However, some domestic vehicles, such as, are still equipped with this type of release bearings. This is due to the simplicity of the design, the unpretentiousness of the mechanism, as well as its low cost.
Mechanical drive
The operation of a mechanical clutch is fairly straightforward. The following clutch elements are involved in its work:
Clutch pedal
Clutch fork
Release bearing.
When the clutch is engaged, the part is at rest and does not participate in the work of the assembly in any way. When you press the pedal, the clutch cable is tensioned and activates the fork, which shifts the release clutch along input shaft Manual transmission to the diaphragm spring blades. This disengages the flywheel from the driven disc.
A regulator is provided at the junction of the cable connection with the clutch fork idle move pedals - the distance traveled by the pedal without any effort. If there are jerks when shifting gears, then the first thing to do is to pay attention to the freewheel regulator. Free pedal movement should be within 35 - 50mm. The normal idle distance for each car is individual and spelled out in the technical documentation. However, in some cases it needs to be corrected. The pedal idle speed is changed by the adjusting nut.
Despite the simplicity and unpretentiousness of the device, the mechanical drive is characterized by low efficiency, and therefore is gradually becoming a thing of the past.
Hydraulic drive
The hydraulic drive is somewhat more complicated. Its design includes a hydraulic line, consisting of the master and working cylinder of the release clutch, as well as a reservoir and a pipeline. The principle of operation of a hydraulic clutch is very similar to braking system, and as working fluid ordinary brake fluid is used.
When you press the pedal in the master cylinder, high pressure liquid, which is transferred through the pipeline to the working cylinder. Under the influence of pressure in the fluid coupling, the release bearing is displaced towards the diaphragm. This disengages the clutch.
The hydraulic drive has a much higher efficiency than the mechanical one. In addition, the fluid resistance created in the line contributes to smoother engagement of the clutch.
The main disadvantage of this design is the difficulty of repairing the system and the possibility of air penetration into the line, because of which the clutch pedal can simply fail.
Combined drive
The device of the combined drive consists in the fact that when the clutch pedal is pressed, the hydraulic system comes into operation. However, the fluid pressure acts not on the release clutch itself, but on the clutch fork, which displaces the bearing along the axis of the transmission drive shaft.
Possible malfunctions and their diagnostics
The release bearing is made of fairly durable materials and is extremely rare to fail. In addition, the part is only activated when the clutch is disengaged, and the rest of the time it is at rest. But nevertheless, a malfunction of the node may well be associated with its failure.
In the photo - a faulty release bearing Lada Kalina. It just fell apart
Malfunction symptoms:
Crunching or knocking noises when squeezing the clutch
Intermittent pedal wedge
Failure of the clutch pedal.
Increased noise occurs due to the appearance of backlash in the part, its individual parts begin to skew and interfere with the normal rotation of the bearing. At the same time, further operation of the car is possible, but it is not recommended to hesitate with the repair, since at any moment the part can completely crumble, and gear shifting will become impossible.
Constant crunching indicates complete destruction of the bearing cage. Its particles penetrate into the contact zone of the bodies of revolution, which causes a crisp sound.
In a hydraulic or combined drive, the ease of pressing the pedal, its failure indicate that there is a leak in the system and air locks... Violation of the tightness of the line requires urgent repair.
The resource of the part on most vehicles is 150,000 km. But in case of violations of operation, this number can be reduced by almost half. Prolonged squeezing of the clutch or its inadequate disengagement when shifting gears adversely affects the condition of the part and leads to rapid wear.
Replacing the release bearing
The release bearing is a non-recoverable part and, if worn out, requires a full replacement. Its cost ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles, depending on the brand of the car and the manufacturer of the part. When installing in a car service, you will have to pay an additional 5000 - 7000.
And yet, repairs can be carried out independently. To do this, raise the vehicle and immobilize it. Further, everything is done according to the following points:
The oil is drained from the gearbox
Unscrew all the bolts fixing the transmission to the motor
The gearbox is dismantled together with the clutch unit (if dismantling is impeded by exhaust pipe, it should also be removed)
The driven disc and diaphragm spring are removed from the clutch assembly.
Now you can also remove the worn bearing by first pulling out the clutch fork or disconnecting the pipes of the hydraulic system. In this case, it is worth visually assessing their condition, if cracks are visible on the fork or the line is damaged, then they must be replaced.
Further assembly is carried out in the reverse order.
Often, when replacing a bearing, many motorists also change the clutch disc.
The most common clutch systems in use are with 2 discs - the driven one, which contributes to the receipt of torque to the gearbox, and the leader, well attached to crankshaft... The transition from one gear to another in the car occurs due to the separation of the clutch discs, and this is facilitated by the release bearing, which separates the drive disc from the driven one. Its principle of operation is to apply pressure, which disconnects the discs and stops the shaft without stopping the motor.
The clutch release bearing is an essential component for any vehicle. Directly in the process of movement of the vehicle, he is in a calm state, and when switching gears, he immediately joins the work of the system. In case of failure of this small part, the car will no longer be able to operate, therefore, the bearing should be replaced immediately at the first symptoms of a malfunction.
Clutch bearing varieties
There are two types of them:
- Ball (roller). They are presented in the form of mechanical assemblies that transmit stress to the bearing using a rigid linkage.
- Hydraulic. In this type, the force on it is created using hydraulics, which contributes to easier depressing of the clutch pedal.
Bearing operating principle
The main mission of this component of the car is to ensure that the clutch is connected or disconnected while the pedal is pressed inside the cabin. The principle of operation is very easy:
- The driven element, due to the work of the pressure disk, is pressed against the flywheel. This process promotes adhesion.
- The diaphragm spring creates the required pressure flow to the pressure plate. A bearing acts on its inner petals.
- The clutch fork initiates the disengagement of the discs and the movement of the bearing.
Symptoms of a malfunctioning clutch release bearing
The first sign that this bearing needs to be replaced is the noise that occurs when the clutch pedal is pressed. It is very easy to determine whether he really became the culprit and the breakdown problem. For this it is enough:
- Start the vehicle engine and listen carefully to the noise.
- Then you need to squeeze the clutch.
- When the noise continues or gets louder, the release bearing is the cause of the problem.
If the noise in the car has disappeared, it is likely that the transmission is causing the problem.
Causes of malfunction
The breakdown of this component occurs due to uneven loads on it when the clutch is squeezed out, because of which it moves backward with the driven disc. A part fails, as a rule, for motorists with minimal driving experience - beginners.
Advice! Do not pinch the clutch pedal when gear is engaged.
The main sign of bearing wear is a slight knock that occurs when the clutch pedal is depressed. Hearing a similar sound in the summer is indicative of a stream of problems, and in winter period- suggests that there can be an ordinary modification of the linear standards of the bearing cup through a decrease in the air temperature level.
The part has excellent qualities and high strength, which makes it possible, even at the first sign of knocking, not to rush and put on repairs right away, but even to watch its increase. But do not get carried away with such a process, since due to malfunctions of this element, the disks are skewed and their wear accelerates. Untimely repairs can lead to complete destruction of discs and high costs for repairing the gearbox.
