The manual transmission car is not as common as it once was, but there are still some on the road today. As part of the clutch pedal, there’s a throw-out bearing that can go bad.
Because this vital part is responsible for pushing against the pressure plate to disengage the clutch, it’s critical to know the signs to look for. So, what are the symptoms of a bad throw-out bearing?
When the throw-out bearing fails, you’ll hear strange noises, such as rattling or grinding. You may also notice additional vibrations in the clutch pedal and have trouble shifting the gears. There’s also a chance for a stiffer clutch pedal during this time.
Throughout this guide, we look more in-depth into what happens when the throw-out bearing goes bad. We also evaluate the function and location of this bearing before discussing its replacement cost.
What is the Throw-out Bearing?
The throw-out bearing is the component of the clutch assembly that moves towards the flywheel when the clutch pedal is depressed, thereby pushing the pressure plate’s release fingers and moving it against pressure plate spring force.
The clutch release bearing is the last part in the components of the clutch linkage from the pedal of the vehicle to the clutch assembly within the transmission bell housing. Being a bearing, it enables the interaction between a stationary surface and a moving surface.
The throw-out bearing assists the clutch performance and ensures its longevity. It works in tandem with the other components of the clutch assembly to provide a smooth and effortless gear shift.
The throw-out bearing is found inside your vehicle’s transmission housing, next to the clutch. While the throw-out bearing is an incredibly durable component of the clutch assembly, it is used heavily and the clutch gets exposed to pressure and friction.
However, your driving habit is a factor to consider in determining how long your vehicle’s throw-out bearing would last.
It is advisable to take it easy on your vehicle’s clutch as a way of ensuring the durability of the throw-out bearing. However, you would have to replace the throw-out bearing when it reaches the end of its lifespan.
Sometimes, many vehicles’ throw-out bearing doesn’t reach their lifespan for one reason or another; while still in use, they go bad. Clutch release bearing failure causes a lot of damages.
If you notice while driving that you are experiencing difficulty in shifting or grinding gears, it is a sign that your car’s throw-out bearing is bad. There are other bad throw-out-bearing symptoms, and they are unveiled in the subsequent paragraphs in this article.
What’s The Function Of A Throw-Out Bearing?
The throw-out bearing is part of the clutch system in a manual transmission car. It’s needed to disengage the car engine from the drivetrain while shifting gears. When you push down on the clutch pedal, the throw-out bearing moves closer to the flywheel.
With this action, the release fingers on the pressure plate move closer to the inside, causing them to push on the spring. This action disconnects the engine from the wheels, so you can shift gears.
Once you are done shifting and you release the clutch pedal, the throw-out bearing moves back to the original position. With this movement, the transmission and engine are connected once again.
Bad Throw-out Bearing Symptoms
Every component of a machine deteriorates and wears out with consistent use over a while. It is the same for the throw-out bearing of your vehicle. This is a drawback when you consider manual vs. automatic transmission.
The symptoms of a bad throw-out bearing switches dimensions depending on your driving situation, and the symptoms may also change dimensions with different vehicle models and makes.
However, the bad throw-out bearing symptoms are the same for most manual transmission vehicles.
Therefore, if your vehicle’s throw-out bearing is bad, you are most likely going to experience one or more of the following symptoms.
#1. Vibrating Clutch Pedal.
Clutch pedal vibration is a clear signal that your car’s throw-out bearing is bad and needs to be fixed before any further damage occurs that may lead to a disaster.
Usually, while driving a manual transmission car, the typical experience is that the clutch moves down smoothly without stress and returns in the same manner.
However, if you begin to notice any form of vibration from the clutch pedal to your foot, then it is a sign that your car’s throw-out bearing is bad, and the consequence is the vibration it sends to your foot whenever you press down the clutch pedal.
#2. Strange Noises When Engaging The Clutch Pedal.
Regular odd noise or throw-out bearing squeak is one of the primary symptoms of a bad throw-out bearing. This odd sound is usually produced when you press down the clutch pedal, and the noise ceases once you take your foot off the pedal.
The sound is similar to a rattling noise or a grinding noise. The noise usually worsens as you place more stress on the system, thereby pushing your car’s engine harder.
If you experience this unpleasant sound coming from your vehicle, you should see a mechanic who knows how to fix throw-out bearing noise.
#3. Compromised Clutch Pedal Feel.
Under normal working conditions, the clutch pedal softly moves when you press down while driving, but if you notice stiffness or less freedom when depressing the clutch pedal while driving, it is a sign of a damaged throw-out bearing.
To have a smooth driving experience, the process of engaging your vehicle’s gear has to be seamless.
So, when your clutch pedal becomes stiff, spongy, or unnecessarily hard with little movement, you would have a hard time clutching down to change gears, and this situation can make driving difficult and boring.
If you are experiencing this challenge, it is advisable to contact your auto mechanic; otherwise, prolonged problems of this sort can lead to an accident while driving.
#4. Difficulty Changing Gears.
If you drive a manual transmission vehicle, you would have noticed that the process of changing gears can be straightforward under normal working conditions.
However, if you experience any difficulty in the process of changing your vehicle’s gear while driving, it is a sign that your car’s throw-out bearing is damaged and needs to be fixed.
The throw-out bearing and other clutch assembly components are required in changing gears; therefore, if any of the features fail to work correctly, it becomes difficult or sometimes impossible to change gears.
If immediate attention is not given to this issue to rectify it, the bad throw-out bearing would be damaged the more, and the car’s engine performance can be hindered from proper functioning.
#5. Total Clutch Failure.
If difficulty in changing gears is not rectified within a time frame but is left to linger on for too long, it can further lead to complete clutch failure.
This problem is more or less the one you cannot ignore or try to manage. You would have to take your vehicle for clutch repair or a complete replacement, and either of the two can be very expensive.
If you are asking, “What happens when throw-out bearing fails in a manual transmission?” the above symptoms are a direct answer to your question.
If you experience a minor challenge with your vehicle, having a few tools like a screwdriver, pliers, etc., can help fix them.
However, if you experience any of the above symptoms, it would be best to contact an expert auto mechanic who knows how to replace throw-out bearing.
What Causes Throw Out Bearing Failure?
Several factors can contribute to throw out bearing failure. Below is a comprehensive list of potential causes.
#1. Normal Wear and Tear.
As with any component, throw out bearings are prone to wear over time due to the continuous pressure exerted during clutch operation. Eventually, the bearing wears down to the point where it no longer functions effectively.
Neglecting a worn throw out bearing can result in significant damage to other clutch components, leading to costly repairs.
#2. Lack of Lubrication.
Proper lubrication is essential for the throw out bearing’s functionality. Insufficient lubrication can cause the bearing to sustain damage and ultimately fail.
Factors contributing to inadequate lubrication include low transmission fluid levels or a damaged input shaft seal. In many cases, a mechanic may need to remove the transmission to access and adequately lubricate the bearing.
#3. Contamination.
Contaminants such as dirt and debris can lead to throw out bearing failure. If any foreign particles infiltrate the clutch housing, they can compromise the bearing’s integrity.
This contamination often occurs due to improper sealing of the clutch housing or when the vehicle operates in excessively dusty environments. If you suspect contamination, have the bearing inspected and replaced promptly.
#4. Overheating and Excessive Force.
Both overheating and excessive pressure can lead to throw out bearing failure. Overheating typically arises from excessive clutch slippage, which can damage the bearing.
Excessive force may result from harsh driving or using the clutch pedal to hold the vehicle on an incline, leading to premature wear and potential bearing failure.
How Do You Diagnose A Throw-Out Bearing?
Unless you feel like removing the transmission, it’s very difficult to confirm that the throw-out bearing is bad. Instead, you must pay close attention to the symptoms to determine if it’s time to replace the bearing.
Because it’s not cheap to change the throw-out bearing, it’s important that you keep this part in optimal working order. Here are a few tips to ensure that the throw-out bearing doesn’t fail prematurely.
- Change the way you drive: Don’t make unnecessary stops, reckless starts or drive with one foot on the clutch. These habits can damage the clutch and the components in the system.
- Decrease the amount of time the clutch is depressed: It’s important not to overuse the clutch. For example, if you are stopping at a red light, shift the car into Neutral so you can take your foot off of the clutch. Not only will this save the throw-out bearing, but it also allows your foot to rest.
- Inspect and maintain the clutch: With any automotive system, the clutch assembly should be maintained and inspected. By paying attention to symptoms and keeping the manual transmission system in good condition, you can head off problems before they occur.
If you aren’t sure how to care for a manual transmission vehicle, it’s best to establish a relationship with a qualified mechanic.
How to Replace a Throw-out Bearing?
Replacing the throw-out bearing can be tricky because you’ll have to remove the flywheel bell housing first. If you’re not confident doing that, it’s best to leave the task to a licensed mechanic.
While the process can differ depending on the vehicle, here are the steps it usually involves:
- Step 1: Remove the driveshaft and transfer case.
- Step 2: Remove the clutch slave cylinder and/or clutch linkage.
- Step 3: Unbolt and remove the transmission.
- Step 4: Disassemble the clutch assembly and replace the release bearings and other connected parts.
- Step 5: Reinstall the transmission, linkage, slave cylinder, and other related components.
- Step 6: Replace the hydraulic fluid and bleed the fluid of any air (Note: this can be tricky).
There are also cases when the clutch slave cylinder needs to be replaced, and it’s very common to have slave cylinders come with the release bearing as part of that assembly.
Throw-out Bearing Replacement Cost
A replacement throw-out bearing typically costs between $30 and $100, with an average of $65.
Labor fees vary per auto shop, but they usually hover around $85 per hour. Because the replacement could take up to six hours, that’s a total of $510 in labor.
All in all, it costs approximately $575 to replace the throw-out bearing if you ask a mechanic to do it for you.
How to Prevent Premature Throw-Out Bearing Wear?
Though throw-out bearing failure is more common in some cars over others, every automobile is vulnerable to throw-out bearing wear over time. Here’s what you can to do make sure you don’t encounter the more severe effects of a bad throw-out bearing:
Adjust driving habits
One of the easiest ways to prolong throw-out bearing wear is to adjust the way you engage the clutch pedal in your car.
It is best to engage the clutch for the shortest period of time possible; in other words, put your car in neutral when you come to a stop—don’t keep your foot pressed down on the clutch.
Follow up on routine maintenance procedures
Following your specific car’s routine maintenance schedule set forth by its manufacturer is the best way to ensure that your transmission and clutch are well-serviced at all times, ultimately prolonging your car’s life.
Routine clutch replacement should include replacement of the throw-out bearing, so when it’s time for your car’s clutch to be replaced, make sure the automotive technicians perform a thorough job using OEM parts.
Ongoing inspections
Throw-out bearing failure can be detected early on through ongoing inspections; the idea is that the more frequently your automotive tech can get a look at your car, the better informed they are on the progression of the aging process your car is going through.
This can help them anticipate clutch or transmission issues, such as throw-out bearing failure before the damaging effects occur.
FAQs.
Q: Can a throw-out bearing cause hard shifting?
A bad throw-out bearing can cause hard shifting in the process of changing gears in your vehicle. The throw-out bearing is a significant component in the clutch assembly that works in tandem when the clutch pedal is depressed in the process of gear shifting.
Under normal working conditions, the throw-out bearing works in synergy for the smooth running of your car. It enables the seamless and smooth shifting of gears; however, it becomes difficult to shift or change gears if the throw-out bearing is damaged.
If you experience a hard time shifting gears, it would be best for you to see an auto mechanic fix the challenge before it escalates.
Q: How long will a noisy clutch release bearing last?
A clutch typically lasts for about 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, the lifespan depends on the vehicle’s make and model. Also, the driver’s driving habit is yet another factor that should be considered.
However, a noisy clutch release bearing can last for 5 years or just 5 minutes. It depends on your attitude toward responding to a problem in your vehicle.
Once you notice a noise from your vehicle’s clutch release bearing, it is ideal for you to see an auto mechanic and get it fixed as soon as possible.
Q: Is it ok to drive with a bad throw-out bearing?
Ideally speaking, it is not ok for you to drive with a bad throw-out bearing, as it can lead to further damages and ultimately lead to an accident in the long run.
However, some people manage to drive with a bad throw-out bearing, but the consequence is that they would have to bear the burden of difficulty in changing gears, stiffness of the clutch pedal, odd noise when the clutch pedal is depressed, etc.
Q: How do you test a clutch release bearing?
It would be best if you test your vehicle’s clutch bearing with a road drive test. As you drive, listen to observe any noise with the transmission in gear and the clutch pedal while pressing it down. Then, release the clutch and the transmission in the first gear.
You can also hold the clutch pedal down, change the transmission gear to neutral, and observe the noise. If there is a noise and it persists, then the clutch release bearing is bad.
Final Words
Having read this article, you now know the bad throw-out bearing symptoms that can easily be identified. When you discover any other signs discussed above in your vehicle, kindly consult a professional auto mechanic to fix the problem before it escalates.
If you ask, “how long can you drive with a bad throw-out bearing?” the answer is not farfetched from the information this article has provided. It is most likely that you can drive with a bad throw-out bearing for a long time, but in some cases, only for a short time.
However, it would be best if you keep your car’s throw-out bearing and other components under perfect working conditions.