Eric----There are at least two reasons for "squeals" in the clutch area.
One, is that the balls in the throwout bearing are skidding, rather than
turning, during clutch use. This is rare for a "new" bearing, as initial
manufacturing lubrication generally can keep even a poor quality bearing
silent for a while.
The second, is the sound heard when this bearing makes initial contact
with the fingers of the clutch diaphragm. If the bearing isn't turning
at the same speed as the clutch, there can be a "chirp" or squeal as
these two speeds equalize.
The designer of the Gunst thought it best to pre-load his bearing to
between 15 and 30 lb., by having an outboard spring applying constant
pressure on the clutch operating arm. A quality bearing will hold up
well, using this principle. Some installers do not agree, so they leave
this preload feature out. This can cause the above "second" reason for
what one hears. It does not show up right away, but only after the oily
finish wears off from between the two surfaces!
OK, there's a third possible cause, and that would be if the bearing and
clutch were not spinning in concentric circles. That is the purpose of
using the two alignment dowel pins between the bell housing and engine
backplate.
(The clutch has it's own separate pins)
If any of these three installation instructions were not followed, then
the sound you hear is not necessarily the fault of the bearing design.
Show the above to the installer, to see what he says. If he's emphatic
about having done all of this, then you have a legitimate reason for a
replacement bearing from TRF.
Dick
Eric wrote:
Subject: Bearing Squeal
I recently (8/24) had a Gunst bearing installed w/ a Borg & Beck clutch
in my 74 1/2 six. About 3 weeks ago the bearing started squealing once
the car had warmed up...any thoughts on why this might be happening and
is there a cure short of having to get TRF involved since that's where I
purchased the bearing?
Thanks in advance...
Erik
Daily driver
CF24407U
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