Release bearings: Triumph TR6, MiniCooper, MGA/MGB

Clutch release “bearings” can be a problem for MG drivers. I used the “ ” because technically the bearing is a graphite bush and not a proper bearing per see. Several cars have this graphite release system including Sunbeam Alpines, the Big Healeys and MG Midgets/AH Sprites.

The first photograph shows three bearings. From left to right the first is a Triumph TR6. It’s a proper bearing as such ( TR’s have their own clutch release problems, but that’s not for this article).

The middle bearing is off a modern Mini Cooper. A couple of things to note about it. First the size, giving its handling about the same if not more power than the TR6, thus demonstrating how technology has advanced from the 1960’s. However, the second thing is the backing for the bearing that holds it onto the release arm is plastic, which no surprise melts………………… Not a very impressive design to say the least.

MG bearing worn down to the metal backing.

The last picture shows a bearing from an MGB or MGA. You can see the graphite is proud of the metal backing. Now what happens every time you press the clutch pedal down, is the graphite contacts the pressure plate and wears away for as long as it’s in contact with the pressure plate. Eventually, as per the second picture, the graphite becomes flush with the metal backing and usually the clutch will prove difficult to disengage at this point. However, I have seen a few extreme examples like the one on the right of the second photograph where the graphite has completely gone. Somehow this particular example was still working (after a fashion).

To be fair to MG engineers, if you use the clutch properly and only depress the pedal when you are changing gear, the release bearing lasts about the same time as the driven plate in the clutch. Of course, for those who sit at traffic lights and so on with their foot on the clutch pedal the graphite can wear out very quickly. The ‘fix’ requires removing the engine, so it’s no surprise that this is best avoided!


Steve Skegg
Technical Coordinator




Editor Note: Steve is a long-time active member of the Chicagoland MG Club and spends his days working on British cars in the Fix-it Garage in Naperville, IL. These Tech Tips are his personal favorites of things that go wrong with the cars he sees. This will be a continuing article in the coming issues of Driveline.