Ask "Dr. Doug." He'll know.

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[quote="Doug Cooper" post=14923]Found the throwout bearing retainer is broke on my 52 Hornet with double lever transmission. Anyone know what would cause this to break. Anyone have one they would be willing to part with? Thanks.

Doug
Doug, there are several things that can cause this. If the clutch chatters badly, or has in the past, it can cause this. If, while it was out and on the ground, the input shaft was banged around, it could fracture the collar, but not break it off,but eventually give up after installed. Very loose or missing cross-shaft bushings in the bell-housing,causing heavy wear. A chattering clutch and loose bushings allows the throw-out bearing to move excessively, subsequently hammering on the collar where it slides . Loose mounting bolts bell to block and trans to bell. any of these can cause this. All these items should be checked and addressed.

Thanks the bell housing cross shaft bushings need attention. The clutch had significant chatter cork was very thin on one side. Also PO did not use a Gasket on the pressure plate used rtv. I agree with chatter and cross shaft play contributing to the failure. Will have to find a replacement part in addition to all the others.

If I cant locate this part do you think it can be welded?

Yes, we have had a few of these welded. Try Northwest transmission parts

Good news, I've obtained a replacement bearing retainer and notice there is a leather seal in the retainer. Shourld I replace the seal, how critical is it? It would hold gear oil from leaking onto the input shaft I'm guessing. There is also a weep hole designed into the part. Just want to make sure I get it right since I'm in new territory here with the 52 double lever tranny. Doug

Yes, replace the seal as that is what keeps gear oil in the trans and not the clutch. The weep hole lets a little grease into the bearing, when you lube the throw out bearing. Walt.

Thanks Walt. I will begin the quest for a seal. So far I havent found any numbers posted previously for this seal so maybe this is a new one on here. Think I will remove the seal from the fractured one and take it into the local bearing house to see if they can match it. Doug

This is important, grease the fitting on the right side of the trans for the throw out bearing only with a hand grease gun, 2 or 3 pumps. Also the fittings at the top of the kingpins. Reason a high pressure grease gun will force grease into the clutch and also push out the expansion plug that has the pressure plug in it at the bottom of the king pin. Back in those days Hudson recommended grease and oil job every 1,000 miles. With todays grease and oil you can go every 3,000 miles. Walt

Thanks Walt.