1098 clutch - borg and beck quality ??

[mattyb]

The clutch has gone on my sons 1971 saloon - I think its the thrust (release) bearing, as when the clutch pedal is pressed its makes a "grinding" noise and the car will not go into gear - (with the engine off all gears appear to be select able)
will remove the engine and gearbox before ordering a replacement but was wondering if anyone had fitted the borg and beck cheap Chinese 3 piece clutch ? I know there have been problems with the quality of these but has anyone fitted one in the last 12 months ?

if the friction drive plate and pressure plate look OK, should I just replace the thrust/release bearing ?

cheers

matt

[bmcecosse]

I would only take the engine out - leave the box in place - in fact - just slide the engine forward on a trolley jack. I would only replace the thrust - and the friction plate IF it looks (almost) worn out. Keep the original pressure assembly.......

[mattyb]

too late BMC ! engine and box out without too much of a problem. thrust bearing was non existent ! still some life left in the friction plate - the pressure plate looks fine. I'll see if I can see any makers name on the existing parts if its AP, I may re use the pressure plate

cheers

Matt

[aupickup]

i fited a pattern 3 piece one 25000 miles ago and still seems ok
new borg and beck i beleive are made in china

[Piston broke]

I had pattern clutch but it slipped even though brand new.
when on bench, the friction between it and backplate was pathetic. I got Borg and beck from MGOC. LOVELY!!!

[mattyb]

well James back on the road ! ordered a friction plate and thrust bearing from Charles Ware and the friction plate was an AP fitment so should be good !

the cross shaft bush and relay shaft bush were on their last legs ! even the bracket had a crack in it ! will keep an eye on the free play adjustment from now on

cheers

Matt[frame][/frame]