T5 Throwout bearing question

[jbarila]

When installing a hydraulic slave cylinder (CNC) Do you adjust the throwout bearing to have a clearence on the fingers or should it have a preload. I cant fabricate my bracket untill I find out. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
JB

[ex-tyke]

John,
        I think that you''ll find that the answer is dependent on the make of the engine/driveline. My Ford Mustang throwout bearing is designed to operate preloaded against the clutch fingers (ie the bearing is in constant motion) . However, I believe that a more typical system has the release bearing installed statically and with about an 1/8" clearance. Not sure about Rover setup.
     You can still complete your slave mounting bracket but you'll have to design an adjustable pushrod.

[jbarila]

Thanks Graham,
I am using a Ford 302 and a T5 tranny. I am not used to seeing a preload on a typical throwout bearing. One hint from me though, If your slave cylinder does not have enough stroke adjusting the T5 pivot ball can make up alot of travel as long as proper clearence/preload is achieved.
Thanks again!
JB

[BMC]

For the HTOB, we leave instructions of leaving a certain amount of space. Preload, as the clutch wears, will only become additional preload leaving so much load that the crank thrust bearing and the clutch bearing will wear out very early. Preload is okay for a race app that you are pulling a couple times a year. For a daily driver, I believe its a no-no.

-BMC.