Clutch Release Bearing

[Alpine Addict]

I received this advice today.

"The best (and only) way is to soak the carbon bearing in light oil for a week or 2 before fitting.
Never fit a dry carbon ring"

Any comments?

 

[Green67Alpine]

Not saying much, but that's a new one for me. There was lots of carbon dust in the center of the flywheel when I got mine apart. I hope more folks contribute their opinions, interesting concept.
Tom j

 

[husky drvr]

I've never heard that one. To me, that's like saying you have to dip your #2 pencil in oil so it will glide over paper while in use.

The carbon is graphite and should not require any oil. In fact, I would worry that if soaked in oil, the oil would cause an issue for any binding agent used in the forming of the carbon puck.

Almost sounds like someone thought that because bronze bearings like the pilot shaft bushing do need to be soaked in oil, that it would be a good idea.

Just a thought,

 

[puff4]

Nope, that's not a 'thing'. The carbon bush doesn't need oiling, and indeed you may harm it.

This advice may perhaps have been confused with the crankshaft/first motion shaft sintered bronze bush, which is usually replaced whenever installing a new clutch. The bronze bush DOES INDEED need soaking in oil for a time. I usually heat up some oil to a pretty warm temperature with the bush immersed in the oil, then let it all cool down overnight... this allows the bush to soak up more oil than simply soaking it overnight.

 

[Alpine Addict]

Thanks that the response I was expecting.

 

[Knightowl61]

Doesn't sound right to me either.

 

[Tim R]

Alpine Addict, we used to soak phosphor bronze bushes in oil for things like swinging arms on motorcycles but I've never heard of soaking carbon bearings before, I cant see what advantage it would give.
Tim R

 

[Mike O'D]

Carbon and oil - ride the clutch and start a fire!