SYMPTOMS OF A BAD THROW-OUT BEARING (RELEASE BEARING) -

A throw-out bearing, also known as a release bearing, is a part of the clutch set in a manual transmission car.

Its main task is to push the spring on the clutch pressure plate and assist in separating the clutch disk from the flywheel so the gear can be shifted.

In short, it’s part of the lever system that enables you to shift gears.

It is a pretty durable part; it usually lasts as long as the whole clutch set, but if it starts failing earlier, it’s good to recognize the symptoms on time.

If the throw-out bearing completely fails, the car will be undrivable.

Besides this website, you can also watch videos on our YouTube channel, where we have many car-related videos that may help with maintenance, driving, etc.

SYMPTOMS OF A BAD THROW-OUT BEARING (RELEASE BEARING)

1. SQUEAKING, WHINING, GRINDING SOUND WHEN YOU USE THE CLUTCH

The first symptom of a bad throw-out bearing is that you’ll hear a squeaking, whining, and later grinding sound when you press the clutch.

Later, this sound appears when you also release the clutch and even when the clutch is not engaged at all.

The grinding sound means that the bearing is on its last legs.

In our opinion, this is the definitive symptom of this problem.

2. TOUGHER GEAR SHIFTING

Besides the noise, you’ll also notice that shifting gears will become harder.

Instead of the usual smooth shift, it will be “sticky”, and the gear shifter needs to be pushed or pulled a bit to get into gear.

3. PROBLEMS WITH THE CLUTCH PEDAL

Next, you’ll notice a couple of problems with the clutch pedal.

First, it may feel harder to press than usual.

After this, when you press it, one moment it seems normal, then it becomes mushy and spongy, only to become normal again.

You may also feel vibrations in your foot from the clutch pedal.

But the most noticeable thing is that the bite point is not the same as usual.

The bite point may be higher or lower; it will become unpredictable, making the driving very uncomfortable.

For more information about problems with the clutch, click here.

4. FLUID LEAKS

You may also notice a lower clutch-brake fluid level all the time.

This symptom is present if you have a concentric clutch slave cylinder, a form of a hydraulic throw-out bearing. You have a picture of it under symptom no.1.

Over time, the bearing may start to leak, which then causes the low fluid level.

5. A BURNING SMELL

Finally, the most dramatic symptom is a burning smell that appears while you’re driving.

Know that this appears when the throw-out bearing is completely failing.

In that case, there is a lot of friction and heating involved, which causes the bad smell.

If you notice this, you have very little time to replace the throw-out bearing before it completely fails.

CONCLUSION

In the end, also know this. The mentioned symptoms of a tougher gear shifting and problems with the clutch pedal much resemble a bad clutch pressure plate.

But the main difference between these two problems is the squeaking, whining, or grinding sound. So, when you hear these noises, you pretty much know what’s wrong.

Also, it is customary to change the throw-out bearing when the whole clutch set is replaced. If you’re going to change only the bearing, then be sure to check the rest of the clutch set.

Besides this, it’s best to solve this problem when you notice the sounds and when you notice the clutch problems, since then you still have enough time.

If you don’t solve it, it may damage other parts of the clutch set, mainly the clutch pressure plate.