Clutch release bearing whirr...how long left?
 

Hi folks,

Hope 2020 has begun well for all.

So, all you knowledgeable clutch gurus out there...my 160 bhp V6 ZT-T is on 80k miles with the original clutch (to my knowledge) and recently I have noticed the first signs of a quiet whirr from the release bearing when the clutch pedal is depressed.

So, I know that a clutch must be on the cards as at some point. I will try my best to be gentle and not sit at the lights with the clutch down for any length of time. That noise rather points to friction in the bearing...friction = heat...heat eventually will no doubt melt the plastic part of the slave and then it will be toast!

Questions...
1) Do any of you have any idea of how long I can nurse the clutch with what is currently a really quiet whirr? I have a feeling we are talking months or maybe a few thousand miles at best (although mileage and time all depend on how much the clutch is used). If it's all motorway it could last quite some period of time / a few miles but I have about 50 miles per day around town and through Devon and I average about 25 mph...so I use the clutch a bit!). I assume that the noise will most likely get worse as the end of life approaches so I will get a bit more warning methinks.

2) Best recommendation of clutch kit and slave to approach original fitted...

Are we talking:
LUK 3 piece (inc. slave)
Borg and Beck 3 piece (inc. slave)
Some combo. of the above?

I am really unsure which is the best slave to opt for as I've read various posts about ones to avoid and which might be the longest lived.

Is there a Land Rover slave out there that is better / stronger / closer to original fitment to the 2.5 V6 in the 75 / ZT.

I have got one of the old stock master cylinders (switch over pipework I believe) from Mat and Scott ready as it probably makes sense to do it all.

I appreciate any input from the huge wealth of knowledge out there and thanks in advance for suggestions.

Cheers all,

Jonty

It depends on a lot on how much town driving or traffic you sit in.

A couple of years ago I had a Saab with a noisy clutch release bearing, 18 months later when I sold it the noise had not got any worse.

As you say if the clutch is original it is probably due replacement but if it has not failed you can plan to do it at your convenience rather than getting a breakdown and have to do it on a wet Sunday because you need it for work on Monday.

Thanks Steve.

I agree - will see how things go for now and keep a watchful eye (and an ear!) out for signs of impending doom!

Clutch feels fine so mechanically the friction parts appear OK - I think the slave / bearing will be the downfall in due course.

Jonty

Have to add my two penn’orth to that. First time my slave cylinder/release bearing/whatever it’s properly called collapsed, there was no warning noise at all – just changing from 2nd to 3rd one night, and pop – pedal to the floor.


Second time, the noise went on for months and months (including a lot of town driving) as I kept putting it off. Didn’t seem to get any worse with time, but eventually I bottled it and got it replaced.


Sadly, the new one lasted less than a year before starting to whine again – got it replaced under warranty. It was one of those metal jobs (LUK?)

Thanks Roger.

That is useful information. So no warning necessarily eh!

I believe the LUK might be a metal unit...I have been trying to work out what the current best unit is as I have heard of some short-lived slave cylinders following replacement.

Cheers,

Jonty

Sorry mate, talking complete nonsense - the metal one was TAZU I believe. See this thread ;)


The one I have now is one of the traditional manufacturers I think - supplied by X-Part

Thanks Roger...I had heard that perhaps the TAZU ones weren't the best option.

I shall look at X-Part as a potential option and weigh up with any other comments if people wish to share them.

Cheers.

Jonty

Don't fit a metal one! My ZT had one and the bearing had gone noisy in less than 2K miles... It then had one of DMGRS OEM-Q slaves fitted and it has a lovely light pedal now :-)

A whirring noise will be the bearing part of it and could last long enough, no noise or warning and a sudden pedal drop is the seals blowing

The release bearing on my clutch used to make the odd whirring noise the first year I owned the car. I practised what you said in your post and did all the things you said you do.

Now, twelve years later, it is still working well so good luck with yours.---:D