That part, by the way, comes in both metal and plastic varieties.
Its called the throw out bearing 'guide tube.' . At least by me.
You'll notice a groove inside most throw bearings where it slides over this
tube.
I fill that groove with 'black slimy grease ' ( moly type) and grease the
guide tube nicely with the same type grease. .
I seldom find them worn enough to need replacing. 

Don't know about the overheating. The TOB is in contact with the pressure
plate at all times, even clutch pedal up, driving down the road.
So the TOB is always turning.  
Scott
www.turbovans.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
James Henry
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 12:53 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Clutch job... done properly

If the cylinder that the throwout bearing slides back and forth on has any
wear on it, it should be replaced. Failure to do so can cause the bearing to
hang up, over heat and cause dramatic failures. Don't ask me how I know.

Jim Henry
Durham, NC
84 Westy

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Kai Mei
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 12:21 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Clutch job... done properly

I'm about to have the rear main seal, throwout bearing, plate, pilot
bearing, pressure plate, flywheel o-ring and felt ring done on my 87 Wolfie.

Is checking the crank endplay common among average VW mechanics? There's a
bit of a language barrier here.

Anything else that should be done simultaneously? The slave cyl, looks to
have been of a more recent vintage as opposed to never been touched...

Thanks everyone.