eddie jr

Just wondering if this kind of wear on the clutch fork fingers means that it needs to be replaced, or can it still be used. Could there be any negative effects if used like this??

I called GM and it is discontinued.

thanks

TKOPerformance

It looks like a lack of lubrication. I wouldn't re-use a fork with this kind of wear. It will allow slop in the linkage. What's the fork for?

eddie jr

It is the clutch fork that rides on the release bearing.

I don't know how it happened as I thought the release bearing housing (where the fork rides) never turns.

TKOPerformance

I meant what car is it for.

The throwout bearing rotates, which is undoubtedly what caused the wear.

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

You could take it to a welding shop and have them build it up a little and then resurface it.

TKOPerformance

Yeah, that shouldn't be too hard. Is this for a 3rd gen though? If it is thenit should be an easy fork to get. It's probably cheaper to just get a new one.

eddie jr

ha ha, sorry, I thought I must have misunderstood It is for an 85 2.8.

The bearing definitely rotates, but doesn't the collar of the bearing stay still on the fork? I just assumed that because there is a bump in the groove of the collar that would keep hitting the arm of the fork if the collar rotated. Am I understanding that correctly, or are you saying that everything rotates?

I called GM the other day and apparently it is discontinued

TKOPerformance

Yeah, the 2.8 fork is discontinued. That's why I was suprised, I thought you had a V8 one, and they are still available.

I would say your best bet is to get it built up with weld and re-machined. That will fix it.

In theory the outer sleeve stays put on the fork, because it's locked in with the spring tabs. This wear may be more from moving back and forth than from rotation.

I would check the rear bearing retainer of the trans. It's a T5, and nearly every one I've seen lately has a trashed bearing retainer. They retainer gets scored where the throwout bearing rides, and it binds up. You won't even notice it with the hydraulic linkage, but damage is being done. I'll bet that this was an accomplice in damaging the fork. They are $45 new, and are still available. Cheap insurance.

eddie jr

any idea what the effect would be from this kind of wear on a fork? What could it cause?

TKOPerformance

How many miles are on the car? Could just be normal wear and tear. The throwout bearign hanging up on the rear bearing retainer could cause it too. Like I said, check that out.

eddie jr

120K miles on the car. It seems to slide pretty good on the retainer. There are tarnished marks on the retainer but no grooves or anything like that. THe bearing does not feel sloppy on it either.

TKOPerformance

Oh, that explains it then. I'd say that's normal for that kind of milage. Typically when I do a clutch in a car with that kind of milage I replace the disc, p.plate, TO bearing, pilot bearing or bushing, ball stud (if equipped), and clutch fork. I also surface the flywheel. It all usually needs it by 100,000+

The wear only looks to be a few hundreths of an inch deep, so I don't think it will cause a major problem. The issue is that in another 100,000 or so it will be worn down that much more, and eventually you'll have some kind of problem with it.

eddie jr

ok, cool, thanks. I may try to build it up a bit with welds and see how that works.