Bearing squeal.

[militarymaxx]

I cut the day short before I had a complete failure. I've developed what I think is a bad set of clutchbell bearings. I didn't hear it at first through the engine revs but when I came in to re-fuel, it was fairly pronounced. Turning things off and spinning the clutchbell by hand produces this 'fingernails on the chalkboard screech'. The clutchbell still spins but with the squeel. They're original, I have about 2 gallons on them, and I've had them out before (twice) for a thorough cleaning (using DNA and Simple Green), had them re-oiled (Bolink bearing oil) and re-installed. Have they outlived their usefulness ? Are they worth saving ? I have a backup set that didn't cost much but don't want to pitch these if they're salvageable.

 

[El Pirata]

My friend, I have always treated bearings as expendable items. I would keep the old ones in there until they completely die before putting in new ones.

One more thing bearings are supposed to be completey sealed and it you add oil and you lose the squeak they are no longer completely sealed and will burn out very soon.

 

[masterbeavis]

An ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.

My vote is to replace the bearings. Check to see what is making the noise, could be the clutch bell rubbin on the flywheel, or something, I dunno. Investegate the cause, repair the problem

 

[militarymaxx]

Found it. The front bearing in the clutchbell is frozen. I'm guessing the squeel was coming from the shaft riding against the inner ring of that bearing where that inner ring should have been turning. Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

[jgscott]

Just curious, but did this sound sound like an air leak in your motor? I have noticed a similar type sound on my XXX-NT, but had not really had the time to investigate it yet.

 

[militarymaxx]

No air leak. After taking it apart I had a frozen bearing. I removed the dust seals and everything was dry and the insides basically fuzed themselves together. No movement at all. I put some stock 5 X 10 bearings in there but am looking into something nicer. Maybe ACER or BOCA. Any recommendations ?

 

[joneser4u]

Originally posted by El Pirate

My friend, I have always treated bearings as expendable items. I would keep the old ones in there until they completely die before putting in new ones.


He tells you no lies!

 

[mattyk6]

I would not keep the old ones in until they die. If the bearing were to go south at WOT, it could alter the gear mesh and you could have to replace the spur and the clutch bell. IMHO, replace them now. Good time to upgrade to ceramic, too expensive for my taste though.

 

[militarymaxx]

Yup, already replaced them with new ones. I PM's Blazer about the ceramic nitride coated bearings he has from ACER. He recommended them and yes they are a bit pricey but they claim they last 10 times longer. I work with an engineer who knows a little about ceramic bearings and for certain applications where heat is a factor, they are the best. So, I'm going to give them a try.

 

[mattyk6]

mm - how much were the ceramic bearings that you got? Also, keep us updated on how well they do.

 

[militarymaxx]

Haven't gotten them yet but the ones I'm looking into are
$7.99 a piece or $99.99 for the Storm kit (18 bearings total)

HumboldtBlazer actually has some run time on these. As far as I know he's pleased with them.