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Subject:Re: '91 Vanagon Clutch/Release Bearing Noise
From:John Hawk
Date:Thu, 27 Dec 2001 20:32:06 -0600

The pilot bearing was changed wasn't it?
If not the clutch will not disengage completely.
This will cause the clutch to over heat and crack.
Your flywheel is not scorched or cracked?
I have an 84.  There isn't much more to it. 

>>> Gary Cannell <GaCannell@AOL.COM> 12/27 7:12 PM >>>
My clutch developed a noise which was experienced when depressing and
releasing the clutch pedal.  It almost sounded (and felt) as though a cable
was frayed and being dragged over another piece of metal - Of course this
wasn't what was happening, but that's the best way I can describe it.

I had the clutch and pressure plate replaced (really worn) and the new one
was fine for a few months then the same sound/feel developed.  I took it back
to the mechanic and he said it was a worn bronze bushing on the end of the
release shaft that should have been replaced.  He replaced (cost me again) it
and it was fine for a few months again.  After another year or two of this, I
replaced the clutch and pressure plate again and put both new release shaft
bushings in.  The sound came back a few months later.

I have no idea what the problem is.  The only two things I can think of are:
1)  The fingers on the release shaft, in contact with the release bearing,
may be worn causing a bad metal to metal rub, or 2)  The guide sleeve is
binding on the release bearing, though I changed this too.

Any ideas?

Thanks
Gary