Morris Minor Owners Club

I have finally had some time to work on the Minor. The smooth case transmission o f the 948 engine destroyed itself so I am replacing it with a ribbed case from a 1275 MG Midget. I have installed the new pressure plate and the new (to this car) transmission. I have tried pulling the throw out bearing or release bearing back and it does work but at the very end of its travel. Does anyone think that a 1275 bearing would be a better choice as it would increase the effective travel and release the clutch about half way thru instead of at the very end. If you look at the pictures you can see what I mean. The 1275 bearing is on the left and then 948 bearing is on the right, the 1275 is pushed forward quite a bit compared to the 948, any thoughts?? The transmission is still out of the car so now is the time to make this decision. Also I am using the 948 fork and fork plate or mount.[frame][/frame]

Yes - the 1098/1275 release bearing IS the one to use - unfortunately - that one is very badly worn and not worth fitting. But a NEW one should be ideal.

I understand that there is a replacement mechanical bearing available from some of the suppliers, to use, instead of the carbon disk type.

The carbon brg' will last along time if you don't ride the clutch.
and the free play is correctly adjusted.

Yes there are replacement ball thrust bearings around - trouble is the clutch bearing action is not concentric - the bearing moves in an arc - so it's not perfect, but does to work ok.

What clutch assembly did you fit? The clutch fork pivot is different on the 1098/1275 box which is probably why the 948 thrust will not work on the 1275 box. The 1098 thrust is positioned further forward so should solve the problem. The roller bearring thrust works well on the 1275 diaphram clutch which because of the extra load would probably destroy a carbon thrust in a shorter time.