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MG TD TF 1500 - 5-Speed Throw Out Bearing

In another thread I mentioned my throw out bearing was noisy. I want to "confirm" that it is indeed the throw out bearing that is the culprit, and not something else.

5-Speed Skyhook trans with standard MGTD clutch.

At startup, no noise from the clutch. Upon pressing and releasing the clutch in neutral, the mild howling starts. Upon depressing the clutch, the noise stops. I do not hear it in gear while driving, but my hearing is not the best.

Len Fanelli said this was "normal" in the other thread when he said, " it is normal with the Moss ( not needed ) roller clutch throw out bearing! Never intended for an angular actuation of the clutch fork!" He also sent me an email explaining.

OK, fine, but based on the symptoms I describe, is it the throw out bearing that's making the noise, or possibly something more dire?

All input appreciated.
L Karpman

If it only makes noise when peddle pressure is applied to the release bearing then the likely source of the noise is the bearing. Is it a roller bearing or a graphite bearing
W A Chasser

I am not familiar with the Skyhook conversion (Ford gearboxes tend to be used in the UK) but I understand the Datsun release bearing is used and this is a ball bearing type. Is it possible that when you press the pedal the release bearing starts to spin at engine speed but any thrust play is taken up by contact with the clutch. When you take your foot off inertia will cause the bearing to continue spinning but there will be no thrust pressure and a worn, loose roller bearing will howl. Ford conversions use a new bell housing with a MG front and a Ford rear and the original MG cross shaft and release bearing are retained.

Jan T
J Targosz

"If it only makes noise when peddle pressure is applied to the release bearing then the likely source of the noise is the bearing. Is it a roller bearing or a graphite bearing"

I believe it is a roller bearing, but the noise come in when the clutch pedal is released, not depressed. Depressing the clutch pedal stops the noise.

I just want to confirm it is the throw out bearing that is making the noise, and IF this is detrimental, as there is currently no effect on the clutch or transmission operation.
L Karpman

Graphite bearings do mot make any noise.
Len Fanelli

The Datsun uses a bearing and a modified MGB pressure plate. I have no idea what your noise is but I would suspect that if it were the bearing that it would be howling when you push the clutch in.

L E D LaVerne

Thanks LaVerne. I just assumed it was the throw out bearing, but I really don't know for sure. Today it was much quieter than usual. The clutch and transmission function are unaffected, so I'm stumped.
L Karpman

Its the bearing - nothing more sinister - don't worry about it until it starts howling when you press the clutch or you feel vibration through the pedal.
Chris at Octarine Services

You say the noise starts when you lift off the pedal. As I suggested a roller bearing will continue to spin for some time when released from the clutch and if worn could be noisy. Does your noise continue or stop after a short while?

Jan T
J Targosz

First thing I would do is drain the gear box through a strainer and look for metal bits. Friend up north west had the main shaft bearing go to crap on one of these boxes and it wasn't pretty. When you depress the clutch the main shaft will stop spinning. Probably not the issue but I wouldn't risk it. Parts are harder to come by for these boxes than the originals.

L E D LaVerne

Thanks LaVerne. Fortunately I still have the oil I drained from the trans once I first noticed the noise. I just ran it through some fine screen material and this is all the screen caught. None of it magnetic.



L Karpman

Looks like you are good there then.
L E D LaVerne

This thread was discussed between 21/07/2017 and 22/07/2017

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