What Are Clutch Release Bearings?

 

If you've ever driven a manual vehicle, you'll be familiar with the process required to switch gears and apply power while the car is moving. But have you ever considered how the clutch, gear and power system in your car really works? And did you know, that at the very centre of every clutch operation is a particularly special component called a clutch release or throw out bearing? Let's have a look at the function of this bearing in more detail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Structure

If there is a significant gap between the rotation centers of the diaphragm spring and the clutch release bearing, self-aligning clutch release bearings prevent abnormal heat and wear. The centering mechanism between the sleeve and bearing absorbs the gap in the rotation center of the diaphragm spring at the start of the clutch release bearing's rotation, and after that the rotation centers of both of them are aligned to suppress abnormal heat generation and wear on the contact surfaces.

 

Clutch release bearings that use steel plate presses for their bearing rings decrease the overall vehicle weight and contribute to lower fuel consumption.

 

 

 

Features

1.They use grease to increase durability under high-speed rotation, high-temperature, and high-vibration conditions, and allow for a long service life.

 

2.They use seals with excellent sealing performance to prevent grease leakage.

 

 

 

How it works?

Clutch release bearings are used in the part that transfers or shuts off the driving force.

 

When the driving force is shut off, the clutch release bearing is affected by a strong force from the high-speed rotating diaphragm spring, and starts to rotate suddenly. If there is a significant gap between the rotation centers of the diaphragm spring and the clutch release bearing, the contact surfaces are likely to generate heat and wear, and this greatly impacts the clutch function. Self-aligning clutch release bearings in particular can prevent this abnormal heat generation and wear.

 

 

 

The clutch release bearing is typically a thrust-type angular contact ball bearing, mounted on an iron casting called a hub. The bearing slides along a sleeve or hollow shaft at the font of the gearbox. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the bearing moves towards the flywheel and pushes against the pressure plate's spring-release fingers. This action moves the pressure plate levers against the force of the pressure plate springs, which in turn moves the pressure plate away from the clutch disc and interrupts the power flow.

 

 

 

During the transfer of power, the clutch release bearing rotates with the pressure plate assembly and absorbs the rotary motion of the spring fingers against the linear motion of the fork. When the clutch is released, the bearing moves back away from the pressure plate, allowing the plate's springs to force against the clutch disc and engage the flywheel. Once fully engaged, the bearing remains stationary.

 

 

 

To withstand such high-stress conditions, clutch release bearings are packed with lubricant during manufacture and usually don't require any maintenance. For more insight into these useful components or if you're in the market for clutch-release bearings, don't hesitate to contact your trusted supply team at NiuShang.