Sunbeam Alpine: Fitting a Roller clutch release bearing
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- This video shows how we fitted a high quality roller clutch bearing to our Alpine. It gives a modern feel to the clutch, light and smooth. We have now done over 2,000 miles in the car and are very pleased with this modification. There is nothing wrong with the original carbon bearings IF you can get a good quality one. Some of the pattern ones currently available have flaked away, become detached from the base or failed in other ways.
There is a lot of rubbish on the internet saying that you can't use a roller bearing on a Rootes engine, this is incorrect. Some owners have used roller bearings for many years, this video shows how we fitted one to our own Alpine.
NOTE: The mathematical calculations quoted in the video were done by an Alpine owner who wished to remain anonymous. We would still like to thank him for his efforts.
REMEMBER: Never depress the clutch when starting an Alpine., you put more strain on the starter and will wear out the thrust washers.
I recently had a roller release bearing fitted to my Series II Alpine. It feels great. It was done by a BMC specialist, and included an MGA pressure plate.
The roller bearing has been superb on our Series V.
Such excellence in instructional video!.......So, the clutch did not release cleanly for about a week? I have found a like problem in clutch or brake when using various silicone type brake fluids. I saw this when I first (1978) tried silicone fluid, having used Castol LMA before. My theory is that some of these types of fluid out-gas a bit at first, acting as described. After about a week, I re-bleed hydraulics and normal, sweet operation resumes.
We have done a lot of miles now and the clutch is great. We have not used silicone fluid in the system though. We are using standard Dot 4 fluid.
These used to be readily available in the US. No more. Unfortunately, buying from the UK makes these cost about a 1/3 more. They are a nice upgrade and can last considerably longer than the graphite bearing. Check the ebay seller reviews before you buy... the seller has a 98.5% rating; not exactly stellar.
Yes it is a nice upgrade. As far as the seller is concerned we can only speak of the service that WE received. The item arrived promptly and is of very high quality.