Trans sleave dislodged - throwout destroyed

DRTopdown · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2007, 09:41 PM

The t/o bearing on my 78 Spider was recently destroyed. Apparently the sleave over the main trans spindle that the bearing slides on came out. It looks like a simple cylinder. Does it need to be pressed into the transmission somehow? Someone told me the cylinder should actually be flared on the inside and mine must have broken. Also that the trans has to be split apart to replace it. True? The end of the cylinder toward the trans seem to be smooth and not like I'd expect like a broken piece to look. Any clues?

**Geezer** · #2 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 06:00 AM

Do you have any pictures? Seeing the problem might help. BTW if all else fails I saw a couple of bell housings on eBay. If the price is right it may not be worth fooling with your's.

DRTopdown · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 12:19 PM

The loose cylinder should be pressed into the center of the bellhousing but fell out at some point. Should it have a flange and require that the tranny be split to re-install or can it be just pressed back in place. What tool is recommended if presssing in place is the answer?

**Geezer** · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 02:31 PM

If the tube just came out it's possible to put it back PROVIDED the bore in the bell housing & the OD of the tube where the T/O bearing rides are not ruined. The key here is to get the tube in straight. I would also recommend cleaning the bore & the tube with brake cleaner. Do not use carb cleaner because carb cleaner leaves a residue. Use LocTite Sleve Retainer where the tube presses into the bell housing. If you do not have a good fit between the bellhousing bore and the tube OD you might take it to a machine shop, not a blacksmith, and see if they are willing to repair the damage.

genericwood · #5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 07:59 PM

DR, this is a relatively common occurence. Enough so that you could probably call it a design flaw. In most cases, you can just press it back in and be fine, especially if you use the Loctite. But if the bore is damaged, it could fall out again. David Leivian at European Car Company in Wichita welds on a support rod that will make sure it never happens again. Several racers I know send him their bell housings to make the modification. Mine came off at Mid-Ohio last Fall. It made quite a racket, but didn't cause any problems otherwise.

Erik

DRTopdown · #6 (**permalink**) 04-28-2007, 12:09 PM

Ready to reassemble my Spider after reinstalling the t/o bearing sleave on the bell housing. What's the recommended torque for the nuts holding bell housing to the transmission?

**Tifosi** · #7 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 07:11 AM

12.5 - 14 ft lbs