Throw-out Bearing Question.

[Damon]

Hey guys. Well, I have been having some clutch problems. When I push the clutch in, it squeals, vibrates, and smells like something is burning. I'm pretty sure that this problem is the throw out bearing (clutch release bearing) being worn or damaged, and it is possibly chewing at the bell housing. Is this correct?

Is it possible to just replace the bearing and bell housing, or do I need to replace the whole clutch? I am trying to fix the car so that I can sell it for a decent amount. I have a 1993 318is. Is this a relatively easy replacement? I will be buying a chilton's manual to help me do it. Thanks.

[Furious]

yes its possible to just replace the throw out bearing. is the clutch original? if so than you might as well spend the extra cash and change the whole thing. your gonna be in there anyways, so why not.

[fushuman]

I agree with Furious,
i have the same problem with the throw-out bearing, mine is just noisy, it squeaks when i push the clutch, yet my car shifts smoothly. i guess i'll change it once i won't be able to shift.
You might wanna change the clutch cylinder slave while at it.

[kestrel325is]

Sounds like your clutch is dead. Changing out the clutch on a RWD car is infinitely easier than doing it on a FWD. Just make sure to get a can of break-free or liquid wrench before you start, and douse the exhaust downpipe bolts thoroughly. Otherwise, you'll have to drill those bastards out when you snap em all off.

It sounds like your clutch has glazed the flywheel, too. Get some ~1000 grit sandpaper and lightly buff the surface of the flywheel to remove the glaze left from the clutch pad.

[fushuman]

well how much is a clutch kit w/ flywheel? and how could i tell if the flywheel is badly worn? since i've heard that a clutch kit is much more expensive with flywheel than without it.

[kestrel325is]

Originally posted by fushuman@Mar 3 2005, 10:46 AM
well how much is a clutch kit w/ flywheel? and how could i tell if the flywheel is badly worn? since i've heard that a clutch kit is much more expensive with flywheel than without it.

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In most cases, a runout gauge will let you know if you need to re-surface the flywheel. However, it's not necessary, although they recommend it with every clutch change. A clutch kit will run around $250 - $300 w/o flywheel. The flywheels tend to run $250 - $300 by themselves. And, while you're in there, you should change the rear crank seal. Saves you the hassle of having to get back there later.

[loud068]

I'm having the same problem with my clutch. Makes shity noise when pressed. I just ordered a new sachs clutch from a power seller on ebay for 170 w/ shipping. I wanted to install it myself but I read in a manual that the trany must be tacken off. Is this a very big task recomended for professionals or is it an easy diy.

[kestrel325is]

Its a big job. If you're uncomfortable disassembling it, I would take it in and have it done.

You'll need to remove:
driveshaft
exhaust
transmission
Gear shift linkage
- and then:
pressure plate
clutch disc

Replace the TO bearing inside the bell housing, sand (or resurface) the flywheel, and get a clutch spline tool to line everything up...

Reattach the pressure plate, bolt up transmission, gear linkage, driveline, and any other misc. odds and ends.

All in all, about a 4-6 hour job, depending on your experience. (unless you snap your exhaust bolts... then the time is much longer.)

[loud068]

I'm takin it to a professional

[SHAHAB323IS]

Originally posted by loud068@Mar 8 2005, 02:12 PM
I'm takin it to a professional

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same here i'm gonna get a whole new clutch kit this summer