Repack throw out bearing?

Tom F2 · 03-22-2003, 08:14 PM

Okay, I know that I will be criticized for even asking the question, but it's so easy to open up the throw out bearing in a 915 transmission, and they're always dry, so I just have to know. Has anyone tried regreasing their throw out bearing? What kind of grease did you use if you did? And, how did it work out?

Thanks.

P.S. As long as I'm talking about clutches, something that I'm sure many of you already knew is to never use the white lithium grease in the clutch release mechanism. Somebody did on my car, and the stuff turned into a gooey parafin, making for a very stiff clutch pedal.

KTL · 03-22-2003, 08:42 PM

If it's easy to disassemble (i've never done one) then i'm sure you can inspect it and relube. Just use a high temp EP grease? Try contacting a few lubricant manufacturers if nothing comes up here. Dow Corning (www.dowcorning.com) makes any grease imaginable so an email to them would most likely get you a good reply and recommended product- their own of course.

I completely agree on the white lithium grease issue. I hate that stuff. White lithium grease is too broad a term and most of the stuff you get at your local parts store is good for light duty stuff and that's it. I'm kinda Mr. Overkill, so I use moly EP grease for most any non-specific lubing job. If it's good enough for wheel bearings then it's most likely good for general purpose applications.

RoninLB · 03-22-2003, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KTL
I'm kinda Mr. Overkill,

sounds good.. you gotta check out Mobil grease HPX-222-Special on their site.. and I showed it to a grease pro/mech. engineer.. and he placed it between his thumb and index finger and checked for the distance that the grease stays connected.. he was impressed and wanted more details.. like it's mfg. for giant off road machinery.. w/wheel bearings probably as big as my head

Doug Zielke · 03-23-2003, 06:42 AM

And while you're checking out the TO bearing, cast a skeptical eye at the guide tube.

In the recent overhaul, mine had all kinds of deep wear patterns on it, so I *****-canned it. The clutch operation has never been smoother as a result.

BTW, I used Swepco 101 (moly) grease to lube everything up.

KTL · 03-23-2003, 07:33 PM

Been meaning to get some of the Swepco. Everybody says it's the cat's meow.

Thanks for the headsup on the Mobil Ron. I did see that at Mobil's site awhile back when looking up the specs for the 75W90 syn. gear lube. Never followed up on the HPX though.......... Will pick some up. Heavy machinery lubricants are tough stuff!

RoninLB · 03-23-2003, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KTL
Never followed up on the HPX though.......... Will pick some up. Heavy machinery lubricants are tough stuff!

I think if it's good enough for 100lb. CV's.. it's good enough for my CV's...LOL

KTL · 03-23-2003, 07:56 PM

Agreed. That's what I was thinking too.

RoninLB · 03-24-2003, 08:40 AM

I think there is a HPX 222 Special.. and a HPX 222

RoninLB · 03-25-2003, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tom Frisardi
. Has anyone tried regreasing their throw out bearing? What kind of grease did you use if you did? And, how did it work out?

gotta say it's a good question.. never did a 911 throw out bearing.. but if I had a good one, and could easily remove and replace seal.. I'd do the big feel for bearing clearance.. and if it felt decent, then a good clean, inspect bearings and race for wear, pitting, or blueing.. then repack w/the Mobil grease I mentioned above[because I have it, and it would work], or some other grease like Warren always mentions..........Ron

ruf-porsche · ruf-porsche's Garage

If you are going through all the trouble of dropping the trans to replace the clutch why not put in a new throw out bearing? Sure you can repack the bearing, but if it is dry chances are that it is also worn.

If you overpack the bearing chances are the grease can ooze out and get on the clutch. A clutch that has oil or grease on it will just judder when you try to release it smoothly.

Even if you are doing the work yourself, to redo the thow bearing at a later date is just a waste of time. Why be penny foolish?

Tom F2 · 03-26-2003, 10:46 AM

The short answer is that I'm cheap.

I know that I'm bucking convention here. In fact, this is such a bad idea that the higher quality people (e.g. John Walker) haven't even bothered to reply.

But, there's no harm in asking.

john walker's workshop · 03-26-2003, 12:28 PM

i would have to echo RUF's reply. higher quality?

Tom F2 · 03-26-2003, 12:53 PM

John, Ruf,

Probably I should have said "the experts" instead of "higher quality." No offense intended.

Tom

ruf-porsche · ruf-porsche's Garage

No offense taken

I'm frugal also, but for the trouble of having to drop a trans again just because I thought I could save a few pennies it not worth it. I would rather spend a weekend with my family perhaps enjoying a ride in the P car than on my back with stuff falling on my face cursing for not doing it right the first time.

Tinker · 04:39 PM

All right I'll admit it...I am cheap and have done it on a few car with no problems....yet. I used the regular moly grease. I usually soak it and blow it out with compressed air and then repack it just like a wheel bearing.

I have had my motor/trans out soooooo many times that one more wouldn't concern me if it did fail. Don"t pack it until its oozing, just enough to keep it happy. I'd check the t.o. bearing carefully after cleaning and feel for any crunches/worn spots before attempting. I have only noted a little bit of seeping after several HARD track days.

Your experience may differ!

Tinker

ruf-porsche · ruf-porsche's Garage

Hey Tinker

Next time you have the trans aoart, check the face of the clutch. I bet that is is some what glazed from some of that grease that didn't seep out.

Wanna help me drop my trans someday if I need to replace the clutch? 82 Targa with us 54,000 + miles on it.

82 SC Targa
70 Lotus Type 52 with twin Webers
70 Lotus Europa
97 Isuzu Rodeo, the Grocery, Parts, Baby Seat SUV.

RoninLB · 03-26-2003, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tom Frisardi
The short answer is that I'm cheap.

I know that I'm bucking convention here. In fact, this is such a bad idea that the higher quality people (e.g. John Walker) haven't even bothered to reply.

But, there's no harm in asking.

Your Right.. Bad Idea .. and I would not have answered.. but after reading your thread on rennlist about this subject I tried to do the right thing.. when you wake up, you do the right thing.. Oh yeah.. so you don't forget..

"Okay, the softies over on Pelican haven't got a clue on this one (only a couple of nonresponsive answers to my post there), but I'm sure that one of the hard cores on this board will know the answer."

john walker's workshop · 03-26-2003, 05:45 PM

saw that too. welcome to pelican, where we're soft and stupid. what do you want to hear? ok, yes, do it.

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

squish squish...doh!

pwd72s · 03-26-2003, 06:02 PM

Ronnie? How do we stay in touch if we both decide to leave here?