almighty squeal when clutch depressed - what is it?

[sprevett]

godawful row that can be heard above the mighty roar of a 350i....my best guess is that the release bearing is dry or somehow knackered? anyone found a cure short of replacing the clutch?

[GreenV8S]

sprevett said:

my best guess is that the release bearing is dry or somehow knackered? anyone found a cure short of replacing the clutch?

I don't see any option other than replace the release bearing if that's what has failed. The bearing itself is cheap - it's the work to get access to it that takes time or money.

It would imo be sensible to consider renewing the clutch as well while you had it apart, but that's your choice.

[sprevett]

not failed - just very noisy (most of the time, but not all the time)...can they be lubed?

[Boosted LS1]

sprevett said:

not failed - just very noisy (most of the time, but not all the time)...can they be lubed?

Not really. Needs to be replaced.

[Comadis]

a release bearing normally never fails in operation.

if it gets noisy it indicates itselves that it is worn and time to replace.

as a matter of course the clutch should be changed in the same process.

so get a complete clutch kit and proceed with the repair.