Federal-Mogul Corporation

Eugene A Wolbers

Daniel F Kiblawi

Bryce W Babcock

Douglas A Drewes

Thomas M Frusti

A self-aligning clutch release apparatus includes an axially slidable carrier sleeve, a thrust plate floatably carried on the sleeve, and an anti-friction bearing shiftably supported on the sleeve independently of the thrust plate. The thrust plate can reorient itself in accordance with forces imposed by a clutch actuating yoke. The anti-friction bearing can shift relative to the carrier sleeve so as to be in a centered position relative to an array of clutch release levers.

Self-aligning clutch release bearing assembly

A reusable retaining strap (30) for holding a clutch release bearing (12) and actuator (11) together in a contracted position during shipment and installation. In one embodiment, a pair of elongated arms (48) are connected to opposite sides of a central ring (46) which is secured to a piston (38) of the actuator (11). In a second embodiment, the elongate arms (48) are separate members fixed at one end to the piston (38). In each case, the arms (48) include anchoring lugs (50) on their distal ends (51). The anchoring lugs (50) extend transversely relative to the length of the arms (48) and are releasably secured to a receptacle (53) formed on the housing (32) of the actuator (11).

Reusable position retaining strap for clutch release mechanism

A reversible clutch release bearing assembly (20) including a housing (32) forming by identical first and second parts (34) and (35) engaged by a shifting fork (33). First and second parts of the housing each include a bearing cavity portion (36) surrounded by a perimeter lip (38). An anti-friction bearing (39) is contained within a bearing cavity (37) defined by the bearing cavity portions (36). A pair of wear pads (48) are attached at spaced locations to the outer side of the perimeter lips (38). The perimeter lips (38) extend on one side of the first and second parts of the housing to form flanges (50). Planar fork guide surfaces (52) are secured to the flanges (50) by a U-shaped bracket (54).

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Northville, MI, United States of America

Eugene A Wolbers