What are the symptoms of a burnt release bearing?
2 Answers
Symptoms of a burnt release bearing: 1. A sand-like abnormal noise occurs when the clutch is pressed to the semi-engaged position; 2. A metal friction-like sound is heard when the vehicle is driven in gear. The release bearing is installed between the clutch and the transmission, and the reasons for its damage include: 1. Overheating due to excessively high working temperature; 2. Severe wear caused by insufficient lubricating oil; 3. Small free travel or excessive load cycles; 4. Uneven adjustment of the release lever and poor performance of the release bearing return spring. Precautions for using the release bearing: 1. Follow operating regulations to avoid the clutch being in a semi-engaged and semi-disengaged state, and reduce the frequency of clutch use; 2. Regularly or during annual inspection and maintenance, use the boiling method to allow grease to penetrate fully, ensuring sufficient lubrication.
Last time I worked on my father-in-law's manual transmission car, I encountered a burnt-out release bearing, and the symptoms were unmistakable—pressing the clutch would produce a sharp squealing or clattering metal grinding noise from the transmission area. The most annoying part was the change in pedal feel: the clutch pedal travel became extremely stiff, even to the point of noticeable sticking. If you smell a burnt odor near the transmission, that's an even bigger red flag. Continuing to drive with this issue is dangerous—not only will gear shifts become rough and grind, but in severe cases, the entire clutch assembly could be ruined. My advice is to stop driving as soon as you hear unusual noises and head straight to a repair shop to inspect the clutch kit. Replace the bearing and check the pressure plate and friction disc while you're at it—it's the right move.
