Clutch Release Bearing

 CAUTION: The clutch release hub and bearing (7548) is prelubricated and should not be cleaned with solvent.

Wipe all oil and dirt off the clutch release hub and bearing .

Hold the clutch release hub and bearing inner race and rotate the outer race while applying pressure. If rotation is rough or noisy, replace the clutch release hub and bearing .

Inspect the clutch release hub and bearing assembly for burrs which may cause the assembly to drag on the transmission main drive gear bearing retainer (7050) . If burrs are found, inspect the transmission main drive gear bearing retainer for evidence of scoring. Polish out burrs and scoring with a crocus pad.

 CAUTION: Care must always be exercised when applying lubricants to the clutch release hub and bearing , and the release lever fork, as excessive lubricant would contaminate the clutch disc (7550) . Misalignment between the engine and transmission can cause clutch release hub and bearing wear and damage.

Apply a thin film of Premium Long Life Grease XG-1-C or XG-1K or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B to the main drive gear bearing retainer , both sides of the release lever fork where it contacts the clutch release hub and bearing , and retaining springs, pocket for the clutch release shaft (7515) , pocket for the clutch release lever cable ball and to the release bearing surface that contacts the clutch pressure plate fingers.

Carefully fill the grease groove in the bore that slides on the bearing retainer of the clutch release hub and bearing with Premium Long Life Grease XG-1-C or XG-1K or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B (no polyethylene). Clean all excess grease from the bore of the clutch release hub and bearing . Excess grease will be forced into the spline by the transmission main drive gear bearing retainer and will contaminate the clutch disc .