Throwout Bearing?

911Brian · 911Brian's Garage

Today I notice and minor ticking sound coming from somewhere. When I press in the clutch, it goes away. I have searched the archives and it sounds like the throwout bearing is going. How long will it last in this condition. Is it something I have to attack immediately? What will happen when it goes south?

I guess if I need to replace it, I should go ahead and replace the clutch as well???

Thanks!

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

When this fails, you will be stuck and only a clutch job will get you moving again. Since the t/o bearing mounts inside the pressure plate and is part of most clutch kits you can buy, you might as well replace the whole schmeer. It'd be a real shame to do an engine drop to replace just the t/o bearing and then again a few months later to replace the disc and/or pp.

911Brian · 911Brian's Garage

I am just curious on how much time I have. I know it is hard to guage that but what is the average time of failure between the onset of the noise and complete failure?

I will replace the clutch as well when I do replace it.

Thanks

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Failure can be gradual or sudden. No way to really tell. I'd start collecting your parts and plan an engine-drop party soon.

911Brian · 911Brian's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard LeSchander
Failure can be gradual or sudden. No way to really tell. I'd start collecting your parts and plan an engine-drop party soon.

I have read about the NOVA gang when somebody says the workd "engine drop". ooops.. I said it..

That is what I thought. I have never even done anything remotly close to an engine drop. But I am willing and want to do it. I was hoping it was going to be later rather than sooner.

lendaddy · 10-15-2003, 11:44 AM

Mine went 6 months with "some" noise then BANG! it was gone. Who knows!

911Brian · 911Brian's Garage

I see that Pelican sell the entire kit for $675. What else do I need? What about resurfacing the flywheel. How much does that usually run?

Thanks

911Brian · 911Brian's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by lendaddy
Mine went 6 months with "some" noise then BANG! it was gone. Who knows!

Any damage or did it just prevent you from shifting?

lendaddy · 10-15-2003, 11:49 AM

Well, damage, No. But it was undrivable. I guess you could put the car in gear then start it. But you wont be doing any shifting. The growl got worse and worse over time.

911Brian · 911Brian's Garage

Thanks lendaddy... I will "plan" on doing this in the next few months. I am pressed for time with 2 kids, 1 on the way, and a wife that is on moderate bed rest.

lendaddy · 10-15-2003, 11:55 AM

I'm with ya on the kid on the way. About two months now. Gonaa get interesting!

911Brian · 911Brian's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by lendaddy
I'm with ya on the kid on the way. About two months now. Gonaa get interesting!

Yup.. we are about 3 mos out. Finally getting a boy!

lendaddy · 10-15-2003, 12:31 PM

Getting a boy here too! I'm batting a thousand, 1 for 1.

PeteBrown · 10-15-2003, 12:43 PM

My '87 coupe has the same ticking noise. I noticed it first coming home after a DE at Mid-Ohio in July. The ticking goes away when I put pressure but not engage the clutch pedal. The noise has come and gone since then but I've only driven the car about 200 miles since I noticed it. My clutch pedal also vibrates when I put my foot on it.

My mechanic said it's a typical symptom of a bad throwout bearing and stated that he has seen people drive their cars for two years without any problems while others have had it go the following week.

Kevin (KTL) has an extensive list of parts for a g50 car and other items for "while you are in there." The estimates and pricing I've collected breakout to about $1,000 for all parts bought on your own vs. $2,500 for a mechanic to do the job and purchase the parts.

Evans, Marv · 10-15-2003, 12:50 PM

Brian:
When a throw out bearing goes out, you usually begin to notice the development of a squealing sound. It starts when you push the clutch in. When that happens, it's time for a new one. Don't have an idea about the ticking sound.

Russ in VA · 10-15-2003, 06:16 PM

Brian, I am in Richmond and ALSO will be doing a clutch (and having the transaxle rebuilt) soon.

We should get together.

PM or Email me if you are interested.

PS Good choice on the other car too (pushrods are good!) I've had a few 302 powered mustangs (and a 351 in an F150). Any mods? (almost goes without saying that you will)

Russ