Date:         Thu, 27 Dec 2001 20:12:11 EST
Reply-To:     GaCannell@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gary Cannell <GaCannell@AOL.COM>
Subject:      '91 Vanagon Clutch/Release Bearing Noise
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

My clutch developed a noise which was experienced when depressing and
releasing the clutch pedal.  It almost sounded (and felt) as though a cable
was frayed and being dragged over another piece of metal - Of course this
wasn't what was happening, but that's the best way I can describe it.

I had the clutch and pressure plate replaced (really worn) and the new one
was fine for a few months then the same sound/feel developed.  I took it back
to the mechanic and he said it was a worn bronze bushing on the end of the
release shaft that should have been replaced.  He replaced (cost me again) it
and it was fine for a few months again.  After another year or two of this, I
replaced the clutch and pressure plate again and put both new release shaft
bushings in.  The sound came back a few months later.

I have no idea what the problem is.  The only two things I can think of are:
1)  The fingers on the release shaft, in contact with the release bearing,
may be worn causing a bad metal to metal rub, or 2)  The guide sleeve is
binding on the release bearing, though I changed this too.

Any ideas?

Thanks
Gary