The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

O.K. this is MGB related rather than Dolomite, but is quite relevant. I have to change the clutch thrust bearing on the MGB. The standard fitment is a carbon faced thrust bearing. The current one has lasted 85,000 miles and has let go gradually. It was always quiet in operation but right now it has worn right through the carbon and down to the casting. Moss do an optional roller thrust bearing like the 1850 / Sprint. So the 1850 one I have had has always had a bit of a "zzzz" noise but on my early Sprint, one did about 90,000 miles and started to break up as the grease had dried out with clutch dust and it looked rusty and horrible.
Dilemma ! Carbon or roller ?
Ta,
Tony.

100% Roller bearing for me. If the carbon thrust was better, they'd still be using it!

Steve

The roller is a modification and probably a cheap bearing what does break easily like the current ones supplied for dolomites. A carbon one is safer i think. Is a roller not in combi with a diafragma clutch and a carbon with a normal spring loaded clutch? On a normal spring loaded clutch i defenately would not use a roller as the pressure is much higher.

Jeroen

Jeroen is completely right in this point. If you use a roller it has to go with a diaphram spring.

MGB's of a later ilk like your LE would have a diaphram spring clutch surely? Only the older B's would have the coil spring
rebuildable clutch cover with coil springs and the carbon thrust bearing.

Don't ride the clutch on a carbon bearing'ed car...and it lasts for ever.

Jonners

Jon Tilson wrote: Don't ride the clutch on a carbon bearing'ed car...and it lasts for ever.

Same clutch arrangement on my Morris Oxford as some of the early MG- can confirm the carbon bearing out-lives the clutch if treated right. Having said that, my friction plate disintegrated shortly before it ran out. The rivets holding the centre section in let go, the whole lot locked up and left me stuck in gear.

Steve

Thanks everyone for your replies. O.K. Carbon it is.
Somehow I knew I 'd get a better, informed, series of replies here rather than on the official web-site(s).
Cheers All,
Tony.