Clutch Release Fork Jammed

Atlantic28

Atlantic28

Junior Member
Proud owner of a '28 Closed Cab Pickup. But I have quite a problem with the mating of the throwout bearing hub and the clutch release fork arms. While lubricating the hub, I didn't push straight down on the zerk fitting and the hub spun counter-clockwise about 40 degrees. Somehow the release fork arms got in front of the two "ears" on the side of the hub. I realize the fork arms should be on the transmission side of the "ears", but the fork seems to be jammed. Any advise on how to release the fork without breaking it would be appreciated. :confused:

Oh, and the "boing" sound I heard while lubricating the hub must have been the clutch return spring, because it's nowhere to be seen.
 
Atlantic28, try disconnecting the pedal adjusting yoke then move the throwout arm back toward the transmission. This may give you the room required to re-orient the throw out bearing Hub and re-install the spring (you will need to find it) You may do a little "fishing" with a magnet taped to a wire or attached to the flywheel and give it a spin. You may get lucky and catch it first try.
 
Fork adjustment yoke has been off, but fork is still jammed. Now I'm going "fishing" for that spring. Could be the spring is part of the problem. I sure don't want to pull the rear end and transmission to fix it.

Thanks for the help.
 
Atlantic, was the "boing" followed by a realization of what happened, immediately followed by a string of expletives that would make a sailor blush? Because that is what I would have done for sure. The expletives don't fix what happened, but they sure make you feel better.
 
Usually the spring doesn't go too far and can be fished out.
Have you tried using a crowbar to force the bearing hub far enough to allow the forks back behind where it belongs ? I'm not exactly sure how much room is in there, its been a couple years.
 
I tried fishing with a magnet, but it immediately seeks the nearest chunk of metal (like the case, or hub, or...). Then, I tried fishing with a flexible "grabber" but no luck. My hands are too big to get in the access hole, so I asked my wife to fish. She agreed, but haven't had time to try it yet.

I wasn't too eager to try the crowbar approach, but it's on my list. I have also learned to cuss in three new languages since I bought the '28!!

Ah, retirement is interesting - always a challenge.
 
I had trouble with the magnet-on-a-stick hooking up with everything but what I was going after. I found a cheap extension magnet at Discount or somewhere like that where the magnet is encased in aluminum and exposed only at the end of the probe. No more unwanted hang-ups. Also works great for fishing out rust chunks and flakes from behind the water pump.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top