Maybe we could get a group purchase (discount) thing going.
My car is down because the "L" bracket(clutch arm pivot) bolts sheared.
Next time it will go back together with the McCleod hydraulic throwout and
a diaphram clutch. Car has a stock 5.0L/T-5.
Gary
-------------- Original message --------------
> I would like to hear about everyones experiences with hydraulic throwout
> bearings.
>
> I have been burned twice with the stock setup and I am leery of it.
>
> Let me elaborate.
>
> On two occasions, the clutch pedal began to feel really light application
> forces.
> On the 3rd or 4th push of the pedal, it went to the floor and a large cloud
> of smoke rose in the air. The car was then stuck in neutral no matter what
> position the shifter was in.
>
> The first time the problem became clear during teardown. The mounting
> bracket for the slave cylinder was a non standard POS that some DPO
> fabricated from 1/4 inch steel plate and a cutting torch. It bent and
> allowed the slave cylinder to hyper extend, spilling its fluid and then
> getting cocked and stuck with the clutch applied. I bought a stock bracket
> from Smitty and all was well for over a year.
>
> The second time it occured the symptoms were identical.
> When I tore it down, the bracket was in perfect condition. The release
> lever was in straight and good condition too. I never could find an
> explanation for this failure.
>
> I increased the length of the push rod as far as I dared and put it back
> together.
> It has worked without trouble for another year now. But still I worry.
>
> I now have the engine and trans out of the car for clutch replacement and
> this is the time to make a decision.
>
> Normally I lean to leaving things as stock as possible. But I hate that
> this area has given me trouble on multiple occassions.
>
> So is a hydraulic throwout bearing right for me?
>
> Erich
> ps the engine is still a 260 with 180 rwhp
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