A throw out bearing, sometimes called a thrust bearing, is an essential component of your clutch system. If you drive a car, truck, or SUV that’s equipped with a manual transmission, it’s important to know if your throw out bearing needs to be replaced. Here’s some information on the throw out bearing, from Ekart Automotive in Manhattan.

The throwout bearing operates as follows; when the clutch pedal is depressed, the throwout bearing is pushed into the pressure plate, which disengages the clutch, allowing you to sit at idle while still in gear, or shift gears. What this means, is that a smooth bearing in good condition is necessary for the smooth operation of the clutch. Every time you have the clutch pedal pushed down, the throwout bearing is in use.

If a throwout bearing begins to wear out, it can damage transmission components it comes in contact with, the pressure plate, or worse if it comes apart altogether. However, there are a few symptoms indicative of a failing throw out bearing that you can watch out for. If you hear a whirring sound when the clutch is disengaged, as in when the pedal is pressed down, or you hear a rattling sound from the transmission while sitting in neutral (while the pedal is not depressed,) you may have a bad throwout bearing. If the transmission refuses to shift at all, or it extremely difficult to shift, the throwout bearing may also be the culprit. It’s important to have a bad throwout bearing replaced as soon as possible, to avoid the risk of further transmission component damage.

If you’re experiencing issues with your throwout bearing, and for all of your other transmission repair and maintenance needs, our professional technicians have you covered. For the best transmission service shop in Manhattan, call or stop by Ekart Automotive today.