Clutch Throw out bearing

[NFranco]

I have 3 "08 3500's in our fleet of trucks each one a lost a throw-out bearing.

The trucks have less than 100K and tow on a regular basis a 7K trailer. Does any know if there might be a recall on this item. Anyone else experience the same problem? THX

 

[GCroyle]

NFranco,



Towing has nothing to do with service life on this part, but its service life can be shortened if driven incorrectly. First a fact. The release bearing turns when the engine is running, period. There is no old fashioned freeplay. The spring in the slave cylinder hydraulic system applies a preload to the fork to the bearing causing it to turn continuously.



Q. Is it highway driven only? Any extreme dusty roads for example?



Tips to extend release bearing service life:

1. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES REST YOUR FOOT ON THE CLUTCH PEDAL. Use the clutch, then take your foot completely off of the pedal.

2. CONDITIONS PERMITTING, SELECT NEUTRAL AT LIGHTS, TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF OT THE PEDAL. Maximizes release bearing life and very importantly the pilot bearing life.



The load applied to the release bearing is based on the force required to release the clutch. The stock G56 uses a self adjusting clutch and has a very soft pedal effort due to the self adjusting clutch release load.