E36 328 Release Bearing

[PaKiMoNSTeR]

So I made a new ali flywheel and we made the critical dimensions according to the DMF. While the box was out we also replaced the release bearing as it was making a bit of a noise. Clutch & PP is in good nick so those were reused. Now I'm sitting with an issue where the clutch fork slides off of the release bearing and causes either a loud knocking noise or a high pitched vibration. This will be the 3rd time pulling the box for this issue.

I was told that there is a 1/2 mm difference between the E36 & E46 ID on the release bearing. I also checked and there are 2 part numbers for release bearings which tells me there might be a difference. I did check the play on the pilot shaft cover tube and it does seems to have a little bit of play but not having a good one to compare it to makes it difficult to judge. I'm battling to find a release bearings as it seems like these now only come with the clutch & PP kits. The one that I found was even larger than the one I had in.

Has anyone had something similar to this before? I know it's not ideal but I'm even leaning to some sort of Teflon tape to take up the play. I'm thinking Teflon as it will not inhibit the sliding on the tube, but I'm not to keen on going this route as there should be a solution as all items are stock and should work.

Any idea or advice would be appreciated.

 

[DarrylvanNiekerk]

I had a similar issue.

Replaced my clutch and flywheel with Solid Mass flywheel and aftermarket clutch and release bearing. Had multiple issues with the release bearing not aligning and grabbing.

I tried so many things, taking the gearbox out and refitting is no joke.

Eventually I went to BMW and got a new shaft sleeve and release bearing and it works properly now.

Sometimes aftermarket works and sometimes the original is best.

 

[PaKiMoNSTeR]

I'm going to turn a nylon sleeve to fit over the tube. I think that will be the best solution. I'm not going to buy more parts with the same issue as both ones I have seems to have the same issue.

 

[DarrylvanNiekerk]

I think nylon will be a lot better, ideally if you can fit it into a metal sleeve.

The metal ones just seem to hook and grab especially with the temperature changes and on pull off.

Try to copy the original as closely as possible, it allows the central section to swivel which aids in alignment and vibration damping so you get a far smoother clutch action.

 

[PaKiMoNSTeR]

So went another route. We placed the sleeve in the lathe and heated it up. Then we stretched it with a steel bar on the inside to grow it with about 0.8mm. This is the amount that the play we out with. It's actually ridiculous that such a small amount can cause such a big issue. then I just polished it back to give a nice smooth slide & fit. Will fit it over the weekend and see how it works.