Clutch Release Ring: How Much Slop Can I Live With?

[Rodger Erickson]

I needed to tear down the transmission cover to replace a worn-out low-speed notch, so now would be a good time to refresh any other worn parts. I see there's some wear and slop on the bronze clutch support ring (see photo.) Is this something I should worry about? I don't think anyone's reproducing these. Any thoughts on this?

[John kuehn]

I’ve had my share of transmission covers and some were worn worse than that. I used a cover that had less wear overall when picking one to use.
Lang’s does list good used clutch release rings in their catalog so if someone wanted to replace one they are available.
I would think the one your showing isn’t worn that bad. Others will have an opinion. Yours will last as long as you have your car.

[dhosh]

I wish I took a photo when I had my trans out to rebuild... But given the limited action of the ring, I would think if it was worn substantially, it would have worn elliptical. It looks evenly worn. Bcan you see evidence the ring's pivot pins are worn?

[Allan]

In all the years I have played with T's, the only one of those I have ever replaced had a broken off pivot. They are well lubricated, and do very little work.

Allan from down under.

[OilyBill]

Dennis' comment is most pertinent.
Because the softer bronze bearing ears don't appear worn AT ALL, and neither do the clutch arms appear to have oblong holes, I would say this is a very lightly used setup, and probably you don't need to worry about it. When they DO wear, the eccentricity is VERY apparent.

[Mark Chaffin]

Actually, it appears to have excessive clearance. I would replace it while it is apart.