I Think I'm Screwed - Again!!!

Bill D · 01-29-08, 09:56 PM

I went to install the cross shaft that actuates the throwout bearing in my new ZF. I have two little white nylon bushings that are supposed to fit in the holes in the ZF case. The cross shaft rides on them.

Well, the cross shaft fits inside the bushings nicely, but the bushings fall through the holes in the case. Do they make thicker walled bushings that will fit? Or will I have to use an internal throwout bearing?

If the latter, then the $900 in clutch actuating parts are useless.

This build has become a nightmare with no end in sight.

chuck smith · 01-29-08, 10:05 PM

I would think you could find suitable bushings either in poly or bronze, if push comes to shove, some machinist could make quick work of it.

John · 01-29-08, 10:07 PM

Bill, check out McMaster-Carr they have a several types of plastic and bronze bushings, both in inch and metric sizes. Type in "sleeve bearings" in the search field, and take your pick. John

Joey Dean · 01-29-08, 10:18 PM

Bill,

Hit up the local Vo-Tech school on the area. You have no clue how many little one off items I have had made for basically the cost of the material. Just place a call to the industrial arts teacher there.

Sandy · 01-29-08, 11:00 PM

Man Bill you must be a lucky guy getting Screwed all the time ;-)

Check McMaster they will have something or something close that you can have a local machine shop turn down or bore. OR you can do an eMachine shop and have one made (will take a while) to your own specs.

Don't let this stop you, your close!

Sandy

Johan · 01-29-08, 11:23 PM

Can you check the drawings for the assembly ? perhaps the bushings fit in cups and the cups are missing.

Bill D · 01-29-08, 11:28 PM

No cups. The nylon bushings are supposed to slip nicely into the case and the shaft rides on the ID of the nylon bushing.

I'll try McMaster-Carr and if that doesn't work, I'll just park this nightmare

Dean Lampe · 01-29-08, 11:38 PM

Bill, you are more dramatic than my wife!

Post some pictures and we can get you moving forward. If not, I really like my internal throwout bearing. Just a thought.

Bill D · 01-29-08, 11:41 PM

My camera died. I measured the hole in the case and it's 7/8". The shaft OD is 11/16"

John · 01-30-08, 12:00 AM

Mcmaster has a bronze bushing, 7/8 OD X 5/8 ID. It would be a simple matter to bore the ID to 11/16. P/N 6391K202. $1.49 each

Lynn Miner · 01-30-08, 12:04 AM

Bill

Give me the EXACT dimensions of the hole and the shaft as well as the depth of the hole. I can make you some bushings with a shallow shoulder on one end that can press into the hole and a wide shoulder on the other side to lock it in.

Canuk40 · 01-30-08, 05:09 AM

Hi Bill,

You may be missing a couple of needle bearings too. In the picture you can see the white plastic bushings, they sit on pads right beside the throw out bearing and protect the cross shaft from bending forces during clutch disengagement. The cross shaft rides in needle roller bearings that are pressed into the transaxle case. One end of the shaft stops within the bearing, the other end protrudes to attach the lever arm.

The plastic bushing are not used to support the shaft at the case. I'd find the needle bearings and confirm your plastic parts fit the location shown. Sorry, I don't have a part number or source for the bearings on hand. They will be metric parts by the way. Hope that helps.

Cheers

Steve C · 01-30-08, 09:46 AM

Bill,

You are missing 2 needle roller bearings that should have come with the cross shaft TOB kit...RBT should be able to supply...Also I believe the white nylon bushes go in close to the fork arms to prevent wear of the fork arms against the stand offs...Make sense?

Steve P2125 with ext slave

ps I'd stay with the ext set up...hydraulics are a problem if leak

Bill D · 01-30-08, 10:54 AM

Yes, it all makes sense now. I was hoping to install the engine and transaxle this weekend, but it appears I'll have to take the transaxle BACK to RBT for the needle bearings.

Big-Foot · 01-30-08, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill D

Yes, it all makes sense now. I was hoping to install the engine and transaxle this weekend, but it appears I'll have to take the transaxle BACK to RBT for the needle bearings.

I would check with the others on here that may have a stash of those bearings. Ron McCall? Ford? or just ask Lloyd to drop them in the mail to you (fat chance - I know)... You should also be able to source those bearings from a local Bearing Vendor as well..

Pat Buckley · 01-30-08, 12:16 PM

Perhaps someone can get the bearing numbers off them and post them here?

Bill D · 01-30-08, 12:34 PM

I just talked to Lloyd at RBT. He is shipping me the bearings, a freeze plug, a seal, and a picture how all of this goes together. He said it's relatively easy to install at home (HA!)

Steve C · 01-30-08, 12:41 PM

Bill,

Good!...That's the way to do it...Freeze plug for far side bearing, seal to protect shaft side bearing ect...How about posting the picture Lloyd sends for all to see (I can't take pics of mine as it's all assembled) but, sure pic would be usefull to all.

Steve P2125

Bill D · 01-30-08, 12:54 PM

Will do.

Big-Foot · 01-30-08, 02:13 PM

I don't mean to sound like a pessimist but I would not hold your breath on Lloyd shipping those parts to you... How long did you wait for your trans to be assembled after it was promised???

I would still pursue the part numbers / parts through other sources lest you be put on indefinite hold once again...

Sorry - but after all the horror stories I've read here I would never recommend anyone go to RBT. I'm glad that I am blessed with the skills and tools required to do my own work and what I don't have, I will fabricate or acquire as needed...