COUSSINET D'ARBRE À CAMES
The clutch release bearing, also known as the throwout bearing, is a critical component in manual transmission systems that facilitates smooth engagement and disengagement of the clutch assembly. This precision-engineered bearing operates at the interface between the stationary clutch fork and the rotating pressure plate fingers.
When the driver depresses the clutch pedal, hydraulic or mechanical force is transmitted through the clutch fork to the release bearing. The bearing then slides forward along the transmission input shaft, applying force against the pressure plate diaphragm spring fingers. This action compresses the diaphragm spring, pulling the pressure plate away from the clutch disc and interrupting torque transfer from the engine to the transmission.
The release bearing must withstand continuous rotational contact with the pressure plate during disengagement cycles while maintaining minimal friction and heat generation. Modern release bearings incorporate sealed precision ball or roller elements with specialized high-temperature lubricant that ensures consistent performance across varying load conditions. The bearing’s internal design allows it to rotate freely with the pressure plate while the outer race remains stationary against the clutch fork, preventing premature wear and maintaining smooth pedal feel throughout the clutch’s service life.
This component operates in one of the most demanding environments in the drivetrain, subjected to axial thrust loads, centrifugal forces, and temperatures that can exceed 200°C during aggressive driving. Premium OEM-grade release bearings feature enhanced sealing systems that prevent contamination from clutch disc friction material dust and transmission fluid vapors, ensuring reliable operation for 100,000+ kilometers under normal driving conditions.
Common Failure Symptoms
Worn or damaged bearing races produce metallic grinding sounds during clutch engagement. The noise typically intensifies with pedal depression and may disappear when the pedal is released.
Loss of internal lubrication or contamination causes high-pitched squealing, particularly noticeable during slow clutch engagement in traffic conditions or at idle.
Binding or seized bearing increases resistance in the clutch actuation system, requiring greater force to depress the pedal and potentially causing driver fatigue during extended driving.
Uneven bearing surface wear creates pulsating resistance felt through the pedal during engagement cycles, indicating advanced bearing degradation and imminent failure.
Failed release bearing prevents complete clutch disengagement, causing gear clash during shifts and making it difficult or impossible to select gears smoothly.
Severely worn bearing may not fully release pressure plate contact, leading to partial clutch engagement even when pedal is not depressed, resulting in power loss and overheating.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes
While release bearing failures typically do not trigger direct OBD codes, associated symptoms may generate the following codes in vehicles with electronic clutch monitoring systems:
This product meets international quality standards for automotive replacement parts and is manufactured according to ISO/TS 16949 automotive quality management specifications. Customs documentation includes material composition certificates and country of origin declarations required for import compliance in major markets.
The following table shows confirmed vehicle applications based on OEM cross-reference verification. This release bearing is designed for Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with manual transmissions and specific clutch configurations.
| Brand | Model | Years | Key OEM Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA | Corolla (1.8L) | 1991–2013 | 3123012191 |
| TOYOTA | Corolla (1.6L without turbo) | 1993–2002 | 312300D010 |
| TOYOTA | Matrix (1.8L) | 2003–2013 | 3123012191 |
| TOYOTA | Celica (1.8L without sequential shift) | 1994–2005 | 3123012170 |
| TOYOTA | MR2 (1.8L without turbo) | 2000–2005 | 3123012171 |
| TOYOTA | Echo | 2000–2005 | 3123012190 |
| TOYOTA | FJ Cruiser | 2007–2014 | 3123012191 |
| TOYOTA | 4Runner (manual transmission) | 1996–2000 | 3123017010 |
Professional installation is strongly recommended for clutch release bearing replacement. The following guidelines are provided for qualified technicians:
Disconnect battery negative terminal. Raise and safely support vehicle on jack stands rated for vehicle weight. Remove transmission following manufacturer service procedures. Ensure clean workspace to prevent contamination of clutch components. Mark pressure plate orientation on flywheel before removal for proper reinstallation.
Loosen pressure plate mounting bolts gradually in star pattern (criss-cross sequence) to prevent warping. Do not fully remove one bolt at a time. Toyota pressure plate bolts typically require 11–16 ft-lbs (15–22 Nm) removal torque. Remove clutch disc and pressure plate assembly carefully to avoid dropping.
Inspect clutch fork for wear at pivot ball socket and bearing contact surface. Remove release bearing from fork by releasing retaining clips. Check fork boot for tears or damage. Clean transmission input shaft bearing retainer thoroughly with brake cleaner. Inspect pilot bearing in crankshaft — replace if rough or noisy during rotation test.
Clean flywheel friction surface with brake parts cleaner (not petroleum-based solvents). Remove all oil, grease, and fingerprints from flywheel and new clutch disc friction surfaces. Inspect flywheel for heat cracks, excessive scoring, or warpage — resurface or replace if step depth exceeds 0.5mm. Clean pressure plate mounting surface and verify dowel pin condition.
Apply minimal high-temperature bearing grease to transmission input shaft splines (excessive grease will contaminate clutch disc). Install new release bearing onto clutch fork, ensuring retaining clips fully engage. Verify bearing slides smoothly on input shaft sleeve without binding. Do not over-lubricate bearing contact surfaces — minimal grease only on fork contact points.
Position new clutch disc on flywheel using alignment tool (spring-side of disc faces pressure plate for Toyota applications). Install pressure plate, aligning dowel pins with flywheel holes. Hand-tighten all pressure plate bolts first. Torque bolts evenly in star pattern: 11–16 ft-lbs (15–22 Nm) for Toyota applications, tightening each bolt progressively 1 turn at a time. Remove alignment tool before transmission installation.
Guide transmission carefully onto alignment dowels, supporting weight to prevent input shaft damage. Do not allow transmission to hang on clutch disc. Torque transmission-to-engine bolts to manufacturer specifications. Adjust clutch pedal free-play to 1/8–1/4 inch (3–6mm) measured at pedal pad. Bleed hydraulic clutch system if applicable. Test clutch engagement in all gears before final reassembly.
Perform initial test drive with moderate clutch engagement for first 50–100 clutch cycles. Avoid aggressive launches or high-RPM clutch engagement during break-in period (500 kilometers recommended). Verify no abnormal noises, vibration, or pedal feel changes. Monitor for fluid leaks at transmission input shaft seal. Full clutch performance typically develops after 1000–1500 engagement cycles.
| Modification | Années | kW | hp | cc |
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●●/●●●● – ●●/●●●● | ●● | ●●● | ●●●● |
| ●●● ●●●●●● (●●●) ●.● ●●●●●●●● ●●●●● |
●●/●●●● – ●●/●●●● | ●● | ●●● | ●●●● |
| ●●● ●●●●●● ●●●●●●● (●●●) ●.● ●●●●● |
●●/●●●● – ●●/●●●● | ●● | ●●● | ●●●● |
| ●●● ●●●●●● ●●●●●●● (●●●) ●.● ●●●●●●●● ●●●●● |
●●/●●●● – ●●/●●●● | ●● | ●●● | ●●●● |
| Marque | OEM | |
|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123020140 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123005012 | Voir les offres |
| MILES | GE16023 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123012190 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 312300D010 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123012181 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123012191 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123017012 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123005011 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123012091 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123005010 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 312300D012 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123017010 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123012180 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123012171 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123052020 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123012170 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123017011 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 3123016081 | Voir les offres |
| TOYOTA/LEXUS | 03123012190A | Voir les offres |