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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: ToniJ1960 on October 31, 2011, 03:00:29 PM

Title: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: ToniJ1960 on October 31, 2011, 03:00:29 PM
 Well lately my clutch makes a little squeal when I push t he pedal down and another little one when I let it up. In fact in humid weather esp if its rainy, it doesnt do it. Today on my way home, I had the pedal down at a stop light and I felt a little tiny thunk, it started squealing like crazy, and at first I thought the clutch cable broke again.

 I let my foot up just a little and the pedal came up so it was ok. I was going to try to pull to the side,in the wrong lane heavy traffic, I decided to see if I could make it a few blocks. I found it did it only if the pedal was all the way down,I could shift before it went that far and avoid the howling screaching halloween pinto noise.

 After about a mile it stopped screaching at all even when I push the pedal all the way in. But there is a little fluttering noise then. It could just be a little out of adjustment and doesnt need to go in that far because it will shift before then ok.

 But is something getting ready to break,was it a fluke or a warning?
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: Reynard on October 31, 2011, 03:50:05 PM
I'd bet on the T.O. bearing.
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: ToniJ1960 on October 31, 2011, 03:55:16 PM
 I think I can drive it for a  while if Im careful with the clutch what do you think?
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: Fred Morgan on October 31, 2011, 04:25:49 PM
Time to pull trans, you need new bearing.   Fred   :)
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: ToniJ1960 on October 31, 2011, 04:28:39 PM
 Throwout bearing? I guess if I have to go anywhere I better be prepared to call a tow truck?
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: dave1987 on October 31, 2011, 04:33:35 PM
I don't know about it being that extreme, as you can drive it without an operable throwout  bearing or clutch cable, just have to start the car in gear and rev the motor high, then as it drops you should be able to slide it from one gear to another while it winds down, just keep your foot on the gas a little bit. I had to do this when my clutch cable came through the firewall for the last time (modified firewall and MII cable).

As a side note, an easy way to tell difference between the two bearings is the pilot bearing supports the input shaft in the rear of the crank shaft, and never disengages. Throw out bearing is on the clutch fork and moves when you push the pedal down.
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: ToniJ1960 on October 31, 2011, 04:58:20 PM
 Well just in case I had towing added onto my insurance, I just called and asked and its only $3.60 every 6 months. I had no idea it was that cheap. So now I wont worry so much :)
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: RSM on November 01, 2011, 08:37:10 AM
A lot of people don't realize just how cheap it is to add towing...I even have towing on my MC lol.
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: Reeves1 on November 01, 2011, 08:59:54 AM
Quote
avoid the howling screaching halloween pinto noise.



 ;D
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: 78txpony on November 02, 2011, 10:19:20 PM
My TO bearing has been making a howling noise for over a year, ever since I accidentally got water up into it during an engine wash. 
The boot had a nice hole in it.
It shifts and clutches just fine, just that noise when any pressure is put on the pedal. 
I stratigically sprayed it with WD40 with no luck. I will live with it until it gets worse.  Besides, the disc is original with 156k miles - it cannot last TOO much longer!
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: dave1987 on November 03, 2011, 12:06:49 AM
I used to have towing insurance on my car. I had it towed twice in a three year period (once in 2005 and again in 2008) and State Farm said it was towed to much in a five year time frame and took it away.

In fact, that is the reason I had to drive "clutch-less" when my clutch cable pulled through the firewall for the second time in 2009.
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: ToniJ1960 on November 03, 2011, 12:16:44 AM
My TO bearing has been making a howling noise for over a year, ever since I accidentally got water up into it during an engine wash. 
The boot had a nice hole in it.
It shifts and clutches just fine, just that noise when any pressure is put on the pedal. 
I stratigically sprayed it with WD40 with no luck. I will live with it until it gets worse.  Besides, the disc is original with 156k miles - it cannot last TOO much longer!

 I get a little noise when I first beging to push it in, the loud howling was only when I push it all the way down its way worse. It did it again today and then went away again,bu the fluttering noise when its all the way down is worse now. I think its progressing so I guess time to get a clutch put in.
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: RSM on November 03, 2011, 07:39:02 AM
I'd get rid of State Farm   ;D
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: Pinto5.0 on November 03, 2011, 09:01:44 AM
I get a little noise when I first beging to push it in, the loud howling was only when I push it all the way down its way worse. It did it again today and then went away again,bu the fluttering noise when its all the way down is worse now. I think its progressing so I guess time to get a clutch put in.

Usually that fluttering means the clutch is on it's last leg. It's the noise the worn disc makes when it's free to spin. When the clutch is clamping on it the noise goes away but be warned.... It won't take any abuse at this stage of wear. Easy driving will buy you some time but it's days are numbered.
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: ToniJ1960 on November 03, 2011, 02:48:37 PM

Usually that fluttering means the clutch is on it's last leg. It's the noise the worn disc makes when it's free to spin. When the clutch is clamping on it the noise goes away but be warned.... It won't take any abuse at this stage of wear. Easy driving will buy you some time but it's days are numbered.

 You`re probably right. Its about 6 years old now. I drive in the city a lot. But it does seem in a way, since I can push the clutch down far enough to shift before it starts making that noise (meaning I have to push it furher before it starts) isnt the disc free and it not making the noise then? Could you tell me why a worn disc would make a noise from spinning?

 You seem to know a lot about this and Im trying to pick your brain I had this one for 26 years and drove Pintos since 1981. So the more I can learn still, the better.
Title: Re: throwout bearing or pilot bushing
Post by: Pinto5.0 on November 03, 2011, 09:20:14 PM
Technically if you are stopped with the clutch pushed in the disc isn't moving but the flywheel & pressure plate are spinning & rubbing against it. After a lot of use the disc rivets get sloppy, the marcel springs loosen up & the disc makes a lot of noise. Expensive clutches hold up waaaaay longer due to superior materials but a 10 dollar disc is a 10 dollar disc & loosens up after a while even if you baby it.
 
Cheap pressure plates loosen up & get noisy over time as well. When they get loose & noisy the springs usually break or pop out & the disc springs can fall out or the lining usually comes off the disc.
 
The noise gets worse as the clutch is pushed in farther cause the clamping action was keeping the rattle to a minimum. You may already have a broken spring in the plate or disc. I've broken too many to count especially in semi trucks over the years.