TA throwout bearing

[Redpaint11]

I am going through the clutch housing on a 350 utility with TA. I have replaced all of the seals and thoroughly cleaned and inspected the ta clutch, bearings and etc. The main clutch throwout bearing has a 1/8” pipe extending below it to allow lubrication by removing the 2 bolt bottom cover. No problems there. The TA clutch bearing, however, does not have this type of feature, nor does it discuss servicing the bearings in the shop manual or the service manual. My question is: Is this a sealed bearing that does not require periodic lubrication? If not, what is the procedure?
Thanks

 

[Janicholson]

Welcome to YT forums and PartsASAP
I believe it is a non-lubricated bearing (as often stated, "lubed for life"). The bearing should not spin when running direct drive, it is not touching the Throwout fingers, and it spins only briefly when the TA is moved to reduction, lever back. The TA pressure plate does not turn much when using reduction because the TA unit is stationary unless coasting faster than the drive speed in that gear.
If it were mine, (I have one, hover over my Icon to the left) and I was using the old bearing, I would try to get all old grease out of it with brake clean solvent, then heat chassis grease to liquid and submerge the bearing in it to soak new grease into the balls/races. Then clean it and spin it up to get residual grease that might contaminate the internals of the tractor by touching it against a wire wheel or? to get it spinning. Jim

 

[Redpaint11]

Thanks for the reply Jim. I must have missed the note where it says lubed for life. I also was not aware that it didn’t stay engaged as a main clutch bearing does. That’s a big relief. I will work on making sure I get it cleaned well.
Travis

 

[Janicholson]

Thanks for the reply Jim. I must have missed the note where it says lubed for life. I also was not aware that it didn’t stay engaged as a main clutch bearing does. That’s a big relief. I will work on making sure I get it cleaned well.
Travis

Lubed for life is commonly placed on bearings and the boxes they come in. I believe it means when the bearing fails its life is over. so no lube is needed on a burnt bearing. (kinda dumb) Jim

 

[Redpaint11]

Well yeah. Thats about as good a a warranty.