1968 GT350 Throwout bearing replacement

[Corey Bowcutt]

I am considering replacing my throwout bearing when I swap out my transmission.  I am wondering two things.  1) is there a good place to buy a throwout bearing for the GT350?  2) Does anyone have any exploded views or how to documents for replacing the bearing?

Thank you, Corey

[CharlesTurner]

It's typically recommended that all 3 clutch components should be replaced at the same time as they all wear together (clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing).

[shelbydoug]

I've seen throwout bearings with well over 100,000 miles on them that were still tight and just were "polished" on the contact areas.
They usually cause very little problem.

If you feel the pedal hanging it is not usually that bearing.

I'd wait to do the entire clutch rather then pull the bell apart to change the throwout bearing?

[Bob Gaines]

I've seen throwout bearings with well over 100,000 miles on them that were still tight and just were "polished" on the contact areas.
They usually cause very little problem.

If you feel the pedal hanging it is not usually that bearing.

I'd wait to do the entire clutch rather then pull the bell apart to change the throwout bearing?

Unless it starts squealing.

[Corey Bowcutt]

Bob hit the nail on the head.  I do not know for absolute sure how many miles are on the current set up.  But the PO did the engine and trans overhaul between '95 and 2000 so I have to believe he put in a new clutch at that point.  He barely drove the car.  My guess is the set up has certainly less that 10,000 miles on it and possible less than 5,000.  So I have no reason to believe the clutch or pressure plate are bad.  But the throwout bearing does squeal especially when cold.  So I was just thinking while I swapped transmissions I would swap the bearing ion it was easy.  I have never done it before so not sure exactly what is involved.  But I rebuilt a 66 Mustang when I was 17 years old and knew nothing and that did not stop me.

[KR Convertible]

It is easy to change with the trans out.  You can reach in through the bellhousing and change it.  It just clips on the end of the fork.  Some of them have grease fittings to lube them.

[KR Convertible]

If it does have a grease fitting, go easy with the grease.  You don't want to contaminate the friction material.

[Corey Bowcutt]

Thanks KR Convertible, that is what I was hoping.  Any idea where the best place is to get a new bearing?

[KR500]

Corey
Most auto parts stores have them or can get them easily. Make sure the front transmission bearing retainer is not worn as the release bearing can hang up on it.

[PR]

Clutch kit are cheep, while your in there do it all, then you know for sure what you got, you may be surprised how worn it looks, turn the flywheel and replace pilot bearing , ram - McLood makes good stuff , you be glad you did afterwards

[Corey Bowcutt]

Is there anything tricky about swapping out the whole assembly and pilot bearing?  Any special tools required? and pictures of this procedure?

[KR500]

Corey
sent you a PM

[CharlesTurner]

Is there anything tricky about swapping out the whole assembly and pilot bearing?  Any special tools required? and pictures of this procedure?

The only special tool is the clutch disc alignment pin, which usually comes with the clutch kits.  If you're going to swap all the clutch parts, might as well get the flywheel checked out and possibly resurfaced.

[shelbydoug]

Is there anything tricky about swapping out the whole assembly and pilot bearing?  Any special tools required? and pictures of this procedure?

Yes. Getting out the pilot bushing requires some alchemy. There is no specific tool for it that I know of although it is POSSIBLE that there was one made and included in the original "Service Dealer's tool kit", although I've never seen one?

I usually wind up using a tap threaded into the bushing and when it gets through will press the thing out of the crankshaft.

I'd stay away from a bearing type replacement. The bronze bushings rarely wear out and certainly are a lot more forgiving then a bearing in there.

The only reason to replace them would be if it obviously had worn oblong and the hole is seriously out of round.

[Jim Herrud]

With regards to doing clutch work, I was recently educated about the importance of "indexing" the bellhousing to check for proper centerline alignment and promote long bushing life. Some folks experience driveline vibration and occasionally have repeated bushing and clutch failures. One cause is a bellhousing that is not accurately aligned with the flywheel/crankshaft. If the bellhousing is more than approximately 0.005" out of alignment, the out-of-round condition can cause this vibration and lead to premature failure of the bushing and other clutch components. Bellhousing offset pins are available to bring it into proper alignment. MD and other resources have documentation on how to perform the indexing procedure. MD's procedure is located here: http://www.moderndriveline.com/Technical_Bits/proper-bellhousing-alignment-indexing.htm

I did this on my car since it will see extensive driving and rather severe duty. It checked out OK - just inside the acceptable limits.  My standard size magnetic base was too large to fit on the flywheel without interfering with the inside of the bellhousing when I rotated the crankshaft. I purchased a mini-magnetic base for my small dial indicator from Grainger that did the trick.

Shelbydoug mentioned an actual bearing that is now available to replace the pilot bushing. I had also recently discovered this and spoke with MD to get their take on it. They said that so far, the bearings seem to work OK, but at the same time, the bushings work just fine and have less chance of causing a problem. KISS principle.