Todd,

     Others have mentioned this is the reason for the common clutch
     shuddering many Vanagons have; do you agree?  Also, to be certain we
     are talking about the same part, is this what Bentley on page 35.12
     calls the Release Shaft (Bentley calls the throwout bearing a release
     bearing).  Have you ever replaced the bushings or rubber parts also
     shown on that shaft?  I am about ready to replace my engine and am
     doing the clutch at the same time.  I would love to fix the annoying
     shuddering problem.

     Vince.

     ___________________________________________________________
     Date:    Fri, 9 Apr 1999 03:43:04 EDT
     From:    Todd Hill <Jwilli941@AOL.COM>
     Subject: Re: clutch diagnosis and replacement

     Hello,

     Just wanted to add that now is a very good time to inspect the
     clutch throw out bearing arm 'fingers'.  Where the T/O bearing
     pivots should be nice and round, not flat.  I bet that 90% of all
     Vanagon transaxles come to me with worn out clutch arms.
     This is the best time to replace if worn!

     Have fun!

     -Todd Hill
      VolksWerks Transaxles
      Olympia, WA
      360-412-0948