VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 1926 Chevy Passenger Clutch Throw Out Bearing

My 1926 Chevy has a 1927 style carbon clutch thrust insert and seems to be working OK.
Is it worth the effort or cost to replace the above set up with a carbon to ball bearing conversion as shown in the filling station catalog part # CV102? It appears to be the Verlyn Husman design.
I would appreciate your thoughts.
Ken26

Hi Ken,

If your carbon throw out bearing is working fine and you aren't otherwise planning to tear take your engine/transmission apart, I don't really see any reason to replace it. I installed the ball bearing type throw out (I got mine through Gary Wallace) on my truck and it works great however, I also completely rebuilt the engine, transmission, replaced the clutch, input shaft, pilot bushing etc. at the same time.

The only "downside" that I know of with the carbon style bearing is that it's not a good idea to keep the clutch disengaged for long periods of time (say at a long stop light) as it will heat up and wear out quickly.

Tyler Platt
Des Moines, IA
1926 1-Ton Truck

I would not change it. Two of my cars have carbon throw out bearings and I have been driving them in at least 2 parades a year for 30 years as well as regular driving and I have had no problems with them.

Thank you Tyler & Ed
Based on your comments, I think I will put the throw out bearing replacement job off. I am not having any problems with the carbon bearing at this time.
Ken

I have several Chevrolets with the carbon throw out bearings. I also have a couple of the modern replacement bearing assemblies that I have never felt a strong need to install. When I rebuild the drive train I install a carbon bearing like originally was used. Maybe I am just old fashioned or want to experience these Chevys like our grandparents did? If you routinely put the transmission in neutral when extended idling (like at a red light) you will extend the life of the bearing as well as the thrust surface on the crankshaft/main bearing.

I replaced the carbon bearing with a new ball bearing type on both of my trucks when I had the tranny out anyway.

1. Even though I put the tranny in neutral and let out the clutch at red lights, I get some peace of mind knowing that the throw out bearing will not overheat in any circumstance.

2. I don't know who will own this truck after me. Probably my son, but just to be safe, having newer technology in this spot is being proactive to prevent a breakdown in the future.

My two cents, Dean

Dean,

The major reason to shift to neutral and let out the clutch on extended stops is to eliminate wear on the thrust surfaces on the crankshaft/main bearings. It is also wise even if you have a modern ball bearing instead of the carbon.