Can I re-seat throw-out bearing arm without dropping transmission?

Tiny
SULLYJEEP
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 JEEP WRANGLER
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 196,000 MILES
The vehicle listed above is a Sport model with 6speed manual transmission. I am on my 4th slave cylinder. Clutch was replaced about a year ago (+/- 30k miles) slave has failed 3x in last 6 months. The last time I removed the faulty slave cylinder the throw-out bearing arm was so far back and up that there's no way to install the replacement slave cylinder with the push rod in the cup of the throw-out bearing arm. The throw-out bearing and arm were replaced with the clutch a year or so ago so they shouldn't be worn. I am working on this by myself. I cannot afford a mechanic, I live in a very rural area, and I don't want to pull the transmission if I don't have to. Is it possible that the bearing arm has come off the pivot due to slave cylinder issues (the last slave cylinder pushrod was bent at almost a 90-degree angle) and can I reseat that arm without dropping the transmission?
Saturday, June 15th, 2024 AT 1:37 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

Wow, that is a lot of slave cylinders. When they are installed, you can't allow the release lever plunger to pivot more than 2° in either direction in the slave cylinder bore. Allowing the plunger to pivot more than 2° in the bore will cause fluid to bypass the seal and result in fluid leakage and failure.

The release bearing is installed into the fork. If that has come apart, I don't feel you can reinstall it without removing the transmission. I attached some info below. That is what needs to be done once the transmission is removed.

I wish I had a better/easier answer for you. Let me know your thoughts.

Joe
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Saturday, June 15th, 2024 AT 6:38 PM
Tiny
SULLYJEEP
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  • 7 POSTS
Thanks for the info. I have an endoscope so I'm going to pull the small access panel of the front of the transmission, and see?
If I can figure out what's gone wrong, then I'll know for sure if I need to remove the transmission. I will keep you posted.
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Monday, June 17th, 2024 AT 1:25 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, June 17th, 2024 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
SULLYJEEP
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  • 7 POSTS
I'm struggling with the endoscope, it's hard to tell what I'm looking at. I'm going to try again this morning. I can identify the arm but I can't seem to get the camera to show me the center and bearing. I'll let you know.
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Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 AT 8:23 AM
Tiny
SULLYJEEP
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Okay, I'm thinking that it's possible that the clutch fork Spring clip may have come loose.
Is there a way to get to that without cracking open the transmission bellhousing? If I do have to open it up. I'm thinking I may only have to do it an inch or two and that way I don't have to restart the transmission. Let me know what you think please.
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Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 AT 1:38 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

It never hurts to try. It would save a lot of time and effort. If you find you can't do it, then we will need to remove the trans.

Let me know. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. And yes, the clip could be the issue. Make sure it isn't broken or damaged.

Joe
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Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
SULLYJEEP
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  • 7 POSTS
I'm about halfway through the process of getting to the inside of the bellhousing. It's taking me a bit longer than the YouTube video guy but I also have arthritis in my hands. I'm getting there. Will keep you posted.
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Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

No problem whatsoever. I hope it works for you. Also, the people on you tube have done the same job hundreds of times and know exactly what to do, when to do it, what tool is needed, and what to look for. Chances are, you would be just as fast under those circumstances. LOL

Take care of yourself and let me know if I can help.

Joe
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Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
SULLYJEEP
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hi again. I was right, the clup that holds the throwout bearing arm to the pivot was nowhere to be found. It was a $10.99 fix but I had to take the jeep apart to get to it. I'm currently trying to restab the transmission amd I have about and inch to go to bolt it in. Question- should the shift with the splines spin freely once the transmission is seated? Mine does not. I didn't have an alignment tool but I never removed the clutch assembly. I ensured the angle of the transmission matched the angle of the motor when I stabbed the transmission back in place. I just wanted to be sure before I bolt it down and put everything back on.
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Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 AT 11:39 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Which shaft are you referring to? Is it possible for you to upload a pic so I can see which you mean? I assume you are referring to the input shaft on the transmission but want to be certain.

Joe
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Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
SULLYJEEP
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hey sorry, I was finally able to get it all back together. A friend came and helped seat the transfer case, it was too heavy for me. Above I was referring to where the driveshaft went into the transfer case
The jeep is up and running, thank you so much for your help.
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Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 AT 9:02 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Thanks for the update. For sure, the transfer case is heavy and not easy to lift and work at the same time. LOL

Regardless, I'm glad to know it's fixed. Feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 AT 7:18 PM

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