67Survivor
Donation Time
Hi Mike,
That photo puts me at ease as to wiggle in the fork.
The bearings in question are definitely steel. I have four bearings in my possession right now. The original graphite bearing that was in the car when I purchased it, as well as a brand new replacement graphite bearing that I intended to use until I discovered that I needed to replace the pressure plate, and the graphite bearing is not compatible with this new style of plate. I also have the bearing that was in the car when the brand new pressure plate failed, as well as the replacement for it that Rick sent me with the replacement pressure plate. These two bearings are the ones side by side in the last few photos.
Apparently, this flat fronted steel roller bearing is intended to contact directly onto the fingers of the pressure plate. This concerns me as there is no return spring on the Alpine ir Tiger clutch, meaning that there is always some contact between the bearing and the fingers. In my opinion, the graphite bearing just seems far superior for this application. My reality is that this is what is available, a reported to be working in other cars with no issues.
I may add a small spring to prevent the bearing from sitting on the fingers. I am also considering fabbing up a small bracket to limit the movement of the fork to just what is needed to actually disengage the clutch as well as prevent the spring from pulling it too far back. I will also be using neutral at lights rather than sitting with my foot on the clutch. although, if this setup fails again, I am quite sure I will find a seriesV pressure plate somewhere that can be used.
That photo puts me at ease as to wiggle in the fork.
The bearings in question are definitely steel. I have four bearings in my possession right now. The original graphite bearing that was in the car when I purchased it, as well as a brand new replacement graphite bearing that I intended to use until I discovered that I needed to replace the pressure plate, and the graphite bearing is not compatible with this new style of plate. I also have the bearing that was in the car when the brand new pressure plate failed, as well as the replacement for it that Rick sent me with the replacement pressure plate. These two bearings are the ones side by side in the last few photos.
Apparently, this flat fronted steel roller bearing is intended to contact directly onto the fingers of the pressure plate. This concerns me as there is no return spring on the Alpine ir Tiger clutch, meaning that there is always some contact between the bearing and the fingers. In my opinion, the graphite bearing just seems far superior for this application. My reality is that this is what is available, a reported to be working in other cars with no issues.
I may add a small spring to prevent the bearing from sitting on the fingers. I am also considering fabbing up a small bracket to limit the movement of the fork to just what is needed to actually disengage the clutch as well as prevent the spring from pulling it too far back. I will also be using neutral at lights rather than sitting with my foot on the clutch. although, if this setup fails again, I am quite sure I will find a seriesV pressure plate somewhere that can be used.