Morris Minor Owners Club

Colin Dodds of Sprite Parts, Dural, Australia has come up with a nifty solution to carbon thrust wear.
See 'e' bay item No: 181438448006. or http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Austin-Healey ... 2a3e930186

Excellent - I was just looking at a spare 'bearing' I found at the weekend, and thought that it really can't be too difficult to come up with something along these lines! Not too sure it needs to be 'teflon' coated etc ..... but it's not stupidly expensive either - if it does the job!

I guess the teflon is to allow for "up down" movement of the bearing due to the arc of the operating rod.

Indeed!

Good find Phil!
Just what I was looking for as I'm just about to convert the TD to a five speed.
Regards
Declan

Looks more of a roller bearing than thrust bearing to me... And expensive!

If it's a 'for ever' fix - then it will save cost paying someone to drop the gearbox or pull the engine to renew failed carbons... The answer is of course to NOT sit with foot on the clutch... But sadly that's not what's taught in 'Driving Skools' these days...

Sounds like you've had a re-test recently then

I have a proper thrust bearing fitted that I bought from a company maybe 20 years ago similar to that now for sale by ESM. They do feel better than carbon.

Not me ! But when my daughter was learning I was horrified to find they were teeching her to sit in gear at traffic lights etc -with foot on clutch.... I didn't realise ESM did the bearing - although they advise for 'hydraulic' clutch I don't see why it can't be used with mech clutch. http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/sho ... 477388919f

I fitted an ESM bearing release when using a hydraulic clutch. This came off years ago but the release bearing stayed on and has worked fine for over fifteen years and probably over 150k miles so yes, well worth fitting in my opinion.
I think the curved faced bearing is from a MK2 Cortina (from discussion on t'other side) so interesting find Phil. I didn't realise a flat faced bearing could be used. When the box is out next I will investigate further.

I suspect the domed bearing is the better option, due to the rolling contact as the clutch arm moves in an arc. Is it quiet in operation?

Not now. It was when new but has a bit of a rattle now after alot of stop start motorway use. Still perfectly useable though....

bmcecosse wrote:Not me ! But when my daughter was learning I was horrified to find they were teeching her to sit in gear at traffic lights etc -with foot on clutch....

I'm currently in driving lessons and I get taught to only stay in gear if I'm at the front and the lights are short if not then its handbrake and neutral so don't worry we're not all getting taught it

Oh yes - it was 'at the front - at Lights, Halt sign 'etc etc. Not good in a Minor ! Clutch down only when SURE to be moving off..... With correct adjustment and sensible use - the carbon thrust lasts for many many years. But I think if I ever have to renew mine - I'll certainly consider that ESM bearing,

Does anyone know if the ESM bearing is good for the 1098 or the 948 box?

Ask ESM....

Thanks, that's helpful...

They sell it - they should know !! That would be my first port of call....

Job done...

"Dear Alex,

I am afraid they do not fit the 948. They are a different size and not interchangeable. We do not sell one for a 948cc but you maybe able to source one from somewhere.

Regards,

Scott@esm"

Well done Alex! So - fit a 1098 flywheel + clutch and backplate...that should do it - although you 'may' need to grind away the bellhousing at the top (as per 1098 gearbox) and possibly use a 1098 clutch fork....... or just use a 1098 box complete. Easier said than done, I appreciate, where you are.