jason74

Still on original clutch at 44k miles. Dealer says throw out bearing a wear item and not covered by CPO.

user 72902

Yes your dealer is correct.

IslandS52

Yes it is. Stop holding your clutch down at stoplights.

San Rensho

Not so sure I agree. Its like saying, brake pads are a wear item, so the brake master, which actuates the brake pads goes, then even though the pads are 75%, the brake master is not covered because it a wear item?

I'd fight this one.

Fred2

In theory, the TOB is only in use when you shift.
If you ride the clutch, (use the pedal as a foot rest) the TOB will be spinning all the time.
If so, it will wear out prematurely.

Used properly, it should last the life of the clutch disc.

ADias

Definitely wear item. Thy are worn by continuously pressing the clutch at stop lights. The clutch should always be up and only pushed for quick starts/shifts.

holden997

Yes it is!

function12

Yes it is a wear item. PCNA says is a wear item too. I called when mine went out on CPO too.

jason74

So, how do I know it is worn, what are the signs? I get this really loud, medium-high pitched squeal intermittently with clutch engagement. No clutch slippage. It is hard to even tell where it is coming from, but dealer now feels it is from bell housing.

utkinpol

Usually bearing wear you feel as a vibration when clutch pedal gets depresses, also it can make sounds when clutch gets depressed.

DLennox

This is not a correct analogy at all.

TOB is a wear item for almost all manufacturers, if not all of them.

function12

That is what mine was doing. Pretty embarassing sitting at a light making the noise.

Macster

Never had a TOB (release bearing in Porsche speak) fail on a Porsche but the one on my '96 Mustang failed (at over 120K miles).

Got in the car and started the engine like I had a zilion times before and a horrible screech came from the transmission area. I guessed what the problem was and drove the car to a nearby Ford dealer to have the clutch/TOB replaced.

Longest drive of my life because everytime I depressed the clutch pedal the screech returned. Think I missed every light on the way to the dealer too.

Clutch was not slipping though of course worn and replaced.

Unless the noise doesn't appear until the clutch starts to engage I'd say the TOB/release bearing is the problem. If the noise only appears when the clutch is being engaged (slipped to start the car moving) it could be the clutch's friction disc rivets are contacting the FW/pressure plate. Generally when this happens there's no noise just the clutch's action becomes less smooth, grabby during engagement. But a worn rivet could be worn/twisted in such a way to make a noise. Or the friction material is cracked.

Anyhow, based on my experience I think the TOB/release bearing in your car is bad. Best to get the diagnosis confirmed by a pro though and of course corrected whatever the cause.

Sincerely,

Macster.

utkinpol

my TOB was shot when i got clutch replaced (56K miles) and pedal vibrated badly during depressing.

Matt(inMA)

It sure was on my MGB

Matt