Technician Handbook ! 302 Manual Transmissions & Transaxles Clutch Release Bearing The purpose of the clutch release bearing is to transfer the movement of the clutch release fork into the rotating diaphragm spring and clutch cover to disengage the clutch disc. There are two major types of release bearings used by Toyota. They are: & Clutch Release Fork • Conventional • Self-centering Conventional Release Bearing A sealed ball bearing is pressed on the release hub, which is attached to the release fork. The hub and release bearing slide on the transmission front bearing retainer sleeve.
As the clutch pedal is depressed, the release fork moves the hub and release bearing toward the diaphragm spring of the clutch cover. When the release bearing comes in contact with the rotating diaphragm spring, the outer race of the bearing will begin to rotate. The outer race is made of a sintered alloy to reduce wear and noise during contact. The release fork continues to move the release bearing into the clutch cover and the pressure being applied to the clutch disc is released. On self-adjusting clutches, the release bearing is in constant contact with the diaphragm spring. The outer race of the bearing is always rotating with the clutch cover. Technical Training 13