Warning! Remember that the dust produced during the wear of the friction linings of the clutch disc may contain asbestos, which is harmful to health. Do not blow off dust with compressed air and try not to inhale it. Do not use petroleum-based solvents to clean clutch components, use only special brake cleaners or pure methanol. Store used rags in a sealed container.
Withdrawal
1. Unbolt the clutch slave cylinder (see Removal and installation of the clutch slave cylinder), without disconnecting the hydraulic line from the master cylinder. Tie the cylinder aside with wire.
2. Remove the gearbox (see 5-speed manual gearbox).
3. Remove the release bearing from the pin of the input shaft, disconnect the retaining spring of the clutch fork from the ball pin of the spherical bearing and remove the fork (see accompanying illustration).
Examination
1. Hold the bearing by the outer race, press the inner race and rotate it (see accompanying illustration). The bearing must rotate freely and silently, otherwise it must be replaced.
2. Wipe the bearing with a clean rag and inspect for signs of wear, cracks or other mechanical damage. The release bearing is usually replaced every time the clutch components are serviced. Under no circumstances should the bearing be washed in solvent in order to prevent leakage of its assembly. Also check the clutch release lever for cracks and signs of deformation.
Installation
1. Pack the inner groove of the release bearing with refractory grease. With the same grease, lightly lubricate the splines of the trunnion of the input shaft of the gearbox and the bearing holder of the latter (see accompanying illustration).
2a. Lubricate the ball stud seat on the reverse side of the release fork with the same grease...
2b....as well as a nest for landing the pusher of the slave cylinder (see accompanying illustrations).
2c. Lubricate the ball pin of the spherical support of the shift lever.
3. Insert the release bearing into engagement with the clutch release fork.
4. Slide the bearing onto the transmission input shaft front bearing holder while passing the end of the release fork through the hole in the clutch housing. Firmly seat the release fork on the ball pin of the spherical bearing.
5. Lightly lubricate the contact surface of the release bearing with refractory grease in contact with the petals of the diaphragm spring.
6. Further installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling.