McLeod Clutch, Clutch Release Bearing & Carrier Issue

[mattrosersv]

Anyone had any spacer/clearing issues with McLeod clutches? I have a slight bearing noise that I believe is the release bearing. I seem to remember somebody having to use spacers for the slave.

I fitted a twin plate McLeod clutch and taking a look through the bell housing hole the bearing carrier is butted up against the gearbox and the bearing is permanently engaged with the clutch forks. if I depress the clutch slightly (rest my foot on the pedal) the noise goes away. It is present both at a standstill with the engine ticking over and in gear driving.

I had assumed (but don't know for sure) that the clutch release bearing should fully disengage from the clutch forks when the clutch is not depressed.

I don't have any clutch slip and the car is perfectly driveable, however, I guess the bearing will wear quickly.

Anyone had similar, if so what was the fix. I have tried loosening off the slave bolts but it makes no difference since the bearing carrier is right back on the box.

I am guessing I am going to have to remove the box and have a portion machined off the carrier, I just don't know how much..... I'll give Real Steel a call on Monday, but in the meantime if the box has to come out I might as well get on with it.

Cheers,

Matt

[mattrosersv]

Thanks All,

Hoofa any idea how much you took off? I was thinking 8mm to allow for fingers to expand with wear and circa 5mm to hopefully get it to retract fully. Obviously don't want to carve too much off on the first go and not sure what tolerance I have to work with


Slightly miffed that I did not get a heads up on this from the supplier of clutch and flywheel.

No I have not watched the mcloed vids and don't have an adjjustable bearing. Will take a look tonight while the mrs is glued to strictly.

Thanks again,

Matt

Edited by mattrosersv on Sunday 16th November 15:17

[mattrosersv]

So box is out.

It appears I have a dual problem to solve. Firstly the bearing carrier is too long, I am going to shave 8mm off the back to start with.

Apologies for the rubbish photo, you can just about make it out.



Second problem is that the clutch slave is at its most retracted position at exactly the same point as the bearing carrier butts up against the box. Therefore pressure remains on the clutch fingers even with the box removed. I tested this by slackening off the slave bolts and I could then push the bottom of the fork back releasing the bearing from the forks.

What NZFAN said is correct in that the slave is sprung to keep the bearing engaged with the forks.

So I also need to shorten/acquire a shorter clutch push rod, or make a spacer for the clutch slave equating to an 8mm movement of the carrier (to match my shaved off bit). Will need to work out spacer width/rod length from pivot point on the clutch.

Any other suggestions most welcome….

Cheers,

Matt

Edited by mattrosersv on Tuesday 18th November 22:20

[mattrosersv]

I wish I had measured up before I put it in the first time...! This had occurred to me however I have binned the old one.

Will hopefully take a gander at my friend's tonight.

Thanks

Matt

[mattrosersv]

All back together. Machined 10mm off the carrier in the end and currently have an 8mm spacer to move the clutch slave back. I might have to review this as the clutch wears.

Thanks for your help chaps!

Matt