Is Replacing a Release Bearing Considered a Major Overhaul?
4 Answers
No. The following is relevant information about the release bearing: Introduction: The clutch release bearing is installed between the clutch and the transmission. The release bearing housing is loosely fitted on the tubular extension of the transmission's first shaft bearing cover. A return spring ensures that the shoulder of the release bearing always presses against the release fork and retracts to the rearmost position, maintaining a gap of approximately 3-4mm with the end of the release lever (release fingers). Performance: The clutch release bearing should move smoothly without sharp noises or sticking. Its axial clearance should not exceed 0.60mm, and the wear on the inner race should not exceed 0.30mm. Usage Precautions: Ensure the clutch release levers are properly leveled, and the return spring's elasticity meets specifications. Adjust the free travel to the required range (30-40mm) to prevent it from being too large or too small.
I'm an auto mechanic, and replacing the release bearing doesn't count as a major overhaul. A major overhaul usually refers to the complete disassembly and refurbishment of the engine or transmission, while this is just a small component replacement in the clutch system. When replacing the release bearing, the mechanic has to remove the transmission first, which is a time-consuming job, taking about half a day, but the engine part remains largely untouched. The cost isn't too high, probably around a thousand bucks, much lighter compared to the several thousand for a major overhaul. It's quite common in overall clutch system maintenance. If not replaced in time, it might cause difficulty in pressing the clutch, but after the repair, gear shifting will be much smoother. Paying attention to unusual clutch noises while driving can help prevent issues. I recommend car owners get it fixed as soon as they notice the problem, rather than waiting for a major breakdown.
My car had the release bearing replaced recently, and it didn't feel like a major overhaul. The repair shop told me they just had to disassemble some clutch-related components, and it took a few hours to complete. A major overhaul? In my impression, that involves a complete engine teardown, but this job was much smaller. The cost wasn't too scary either—just a few hundred to a little over a thousand, much cheaper than a full overhaul. After the replacement, shifting gears feels smoother. Just pay attention to any unusual noises and get it checked out early to prevent bigger issues. Overall, it's just a moderate repair job—nothing too serious.
Replacing the release bearing is only part of the clutch repair and does not count as a major overhaul. When this small component in the clutch system fails, repairing it requires disassembling the surrounding transmission parts, which is a relatively short process, typically completed in one to two hours. The engine does not need to be touched, so it's not considered a major repair. It's better to fix it early to avoid clutch failure affecting driving. The cost is moderate, cheaper than a major repair job.
