My clutch bearing destroyed again! I had a new one put in 500 miles ago, when the one it had (with only 3,000 miles in it) when thru exactly the same. Car is in the shop right now. Now, here's the question. What in the transmission could be causing the clutch to go bad so fast? do I need a new tranny? shifting 1st-2nd-3rd gear has always been rough - can't shift fast. This is so frustrating!

 

The throwout bearing? The nose piece it rides on could be bad, Did you lube it when you changed the bearing last time so it can slide freely? Also, it could be your driving style. If you rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving it will wear out prematurely. Also, your pilot bearing may be the problem, was that changed when the clutch was done?

 

The pilot bearing it's what i'm refering to - last time it was broken, this time looks like the same problem. As for driving style, no I don't rest foot in the clutch while driving it. I must confess though that every now and then I'll rev up the engine and let go of the clutch at a stop light, if I see a riced up car whose driver wants to race... but I've been trying to behave and do it less and less often.

 

Pilot bearings usually last a long time, unless the grease seal is messed up, or was never installed, and/or it didnt get greased when it was installed. One more thing, take a look at the end of the transmission input shaft where the pilot bearing rides. Make sure the surface is in good condition.

 

The shaft the that rides the pilot bearing could be scared up. If thats the case then you will have to replace it or file it down if its not comlpletey gone.

 

I think you nailed it. I also think something's wrong with the shaft. Will look into that. Thanks. Stay tuned for the outcome...

 

Yeap, it's gotta be the shaft. Will look into that. Thanks.

 

Does the transmission howl? Sounds like a bad input shaft bearing to me. Change the transmission. Not as bad as it sounds: you can get a good Jap rebuilt for $600, or hunt for a good one among club members near you. I got a great GSL trans from a guy in Sacto for $200.

Oh yeah, NEVER use rebuilt stuff. Get OEM, or better.

F

 

can't tell if the transmission howls - engine is too noisy (see my other posting on engine sound for some sample audio). But yes, I might end up getting a new tranny. I knew with the shifting problems in 1st-2nd-3rd i would have to eventually...

 

as it turns out it was the pilot bearing that broke. Upon inspection, could not find what might have caused it - everything else looked fine and in place.

 

Was it installed correctly and did it have a grease seal? Maybe it is getting damaged during the installation process, such as an uneven pressure point, or maybe something caught the bearing pins themselves. What are you using to drive it in there?