ZF5 swap - Another throwout bearing question

BlindAmbition

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I did search through some threads, found some fairly old ones or ones not quite relating. Figured I'd repost and see what answers are available in 2021.

I purchased a Luk 07-225 clutch kit and the throwout bearing has a chip in the plastic from shipping. I couldn't find a number so I grabbed the old one that came with the used ZF5 I purchased and they aren't even of comparable quality. The old one is metal and feels significant compared to the Luk bearing. Looking through threads shows that the Luk ones are garbage.

When I looked up the number on the more substantial bearing - 614062 - it shows the same plastic garbage available. The one I have is all metal. The 614062 bearing has a much larger face.

What is the best bearing to get for the ZF5 with a SMF LUK conversion? Does it matter if they are plastic?

Old bearing - 614062, all metal, on left, from a ZF5 DMF
New bearing from Luk on right, from 07-225 SMF kit

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New National 614062 - plastic bearing

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IDIBRONCO

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Sorry. You can't use the exact application since yours is a 1986. Try using something like 1989 for the year instead of 1986.
 

chillman88

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See what a Timken shows. Use the application, not a part number.

Well you made me curious so I looked it up. Looks plastic to me. Looked it up under my 91 F350

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IDIBRONCO

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It looks like plastic to me. It's hard to remember since it's been so long, but it seems like the replacement throw out bearings were plastic in the same place back in the late 90's. It really shouldn't matter all that much because it's just a sleeve that rides back and forth on the collar inside the bellhousing of the transmission. The real wear parts are where the bearing itself spins and contacts the pressure plate. These bearings are metal in those spots.
 

gnathv

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The picture chill man posted looks like metal insert with plastic over it.
 

BlindAmbition

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Thanks for the input. It's odd because I have a metal bearing that weighs a good 3 times what this plastic one does and has a National number, but the exact same replacement number is plastic.

Ordered the National 614062, I don't even want to try this Luk kit bearing after seeing how much more robust the old one is.
 

cre1992

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I just put a 12 1/4" clutch from NAPA in my truck. It was a last minute decision to change the clutch while we were putting everything back together. The throw out bearing I got in the kit was all metal. The one that came out of the truck was plastic.
 
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IDIBRONCO

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I don't even want to try this Luk kit bearing after seeing how much more robust the old one is.
These are known to not be of the best quality these days. It is recommended to put some better ones in before installing the clutch. It goes for both the throw out bearing and the pilot bearing. I have a pair of Timken bearings to put in with mine.
 

ih8minimumwage

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I just did the same swap and used the included throwout bearing. No issues so far.

Had to sleeve kit the end and use the oversized pilot bearing from that kit. Also had to clean up the input shaft from the failed old throwout bearing damage (all metal). I think that might be why they switched to the plastic parts.
 

bulletpruf

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I have the exact same question; my Luk SMF kit throwout was damaged upon arrival, the the pilot bearing was destroyed. Got a new pilot and installed it.

I ordered a new SKF throwout bearing and it's substantially larger than the Luk. Looks like that won't be an issue, but if anyone has any input, please advise.

Scott
 

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