Installed a Centerforce DF clutch and the throwout bearing keeps coming off the clutch fork. When I install it, it appears that the forks are just barely engaging the TB. The forks are no where near the center of the TB. Push the pedal in and it makes a popping noise and then the clutch won't disengage. Ordered a new fork -- not GM -- and it's just like the one I had and it does the same thing. I'm using a stock TB from O'Reilly's with a stock bellhousing.

1. Could these clutch forks be too short?
2. Does this clutch take a longer or different TB?
3. Any other suggestions?

I am installing the fork with the springs in the TB groove.

Any help appreciated. Getting tired of taking this thing in and out. Hope third time will be a charm.

many after market clutch forks being sold for 67-69 camaros are actually have the same design features as 70-81 camaros and they wont work.

the heavy duty or second gen clutch forks might hit your firewall as well. Go down to your local chevy dealer and pick up the correct fork for a 69 camaro. They still make it. When I bought mine i think it was around $50. I have Centerforce DF, new centerforce throwout and no problems with the correct fork.

Yep...stock clutch fork here and it works perfectly. Classic industries has it.

Your clutch must have been working before, so why did you bother switching the fork?

Here's a simple graphic to confirm correct TB install -

http://csgbenefits.org/throwoutbearing.jpg

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Stock clutch fork here to... I also have the DF Centerforce 2 Clutch and Pressure Plate that comes with the throwout bearing DF Center force set up.... But did have the same problem with the Center Force upgrade from stock clutch... So just make sure you get the Center Force throwout bearing. Nice info above but i had the throw out bearing in correctly as well.

It was sort of working until I romped on it the first time after installing new 3.55 gears and posi-trak. Just purchased the car a while back. Smelled a burning smell and the clutch peddle went to the floor. Luckily it was stuck in 2nd and I limped home. Teardown showed egged-out (shot) pilot bushing, burned clutch, linkage slipped out of clutch fork, M21 front bearing out along with rollers between 3rd and 4th on main shaft. Did not appear that trans shaft was going into pilot far enough with scattershield.

Approx. how far should the forks on the clutch fork engage the TB when it is on the trans shaft? Looks to me like when the trans is installed, the forks I have would be about 1/3 of the way on the collar maximum. Is this far enough or should they extend 1/2 way or more? I've had this thing out twice, replaced the scatter with a stock BH to try to solve the PB insertion issue, replaced bilot bushing, rebuilt tranny, and replaced the clutch fork in case the original was bent. New CF DF clutch and stock replacement TB.

snodgrass The Centerforce TB they gave me for the DF Set up is PN:N1716 Throwout Bearing.

The clutch fork that came in the car has the part # 14066235. Is this correct for a 68 Camaro?

www.stevescamaroparts.com check it out and give him a call, to verify the part #..

The clutch fork that came in the car has the part # 14066235. Is this correct for a 68 Camaro?


That number is a stock GM part number:yes:

snodgrass The Centerforce TB they gave me for the DF Set up is PN:N1716 Throwout Bearing.

This bearing cross references to a Timken 614018 or CC1705C BCA bearing. I prefer the Timken. Can be found at most parts stores. Look for the ones made in USA. This is the same bearing I use with my CFII single disc set up.

Timken 614018 or CC1705C BCA bearing? Rock Auto shows these as two different types of bearings with slighlty different width dimensions (614018=1.2461", CC1705C=1.252"). It also indicates that the 614018 is a self-aligning bearing while the CC1705C is angular contact. What is the difference in these 2 bearings and which one is correct for a 68 BB Camaro?

The throwout bearing will be a close fit onto the outer surface of the input shaft cover. Of course, this will wear away the surfaces after a while.

Here's one I considered worn, so I replaced it with a new one -
http://csgbenefits.org/muncieinputcover2.jpg


Here's the throwout bearing that I had used with CF clutch -
http://csgbenefits.org/tb1.jpg

http://csgbenefits.org/tb2.jpg

http://csgbenefits.org/tb3.jpg

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I can see how the bearing interchangeability can get carried away. I have 9 good bearings (replace every time trans is apart). I have Atena, Velco, Bca and Timken. The Velco bearing is what came in the CenterForce N-1716 box. P/plate finger facing is differant or thinner that all the others, but appears to be a good bearing and has a US patent so I presume its one of ours.
All are within the range from 1.119 to 1.26 depending on where they were manufactured. Mexico, China and USA. I still prefer the Timken USA 614018 and is readily available.

Update: The clutch forks that came in the car and that I ordered online were both incorrect. Appear to be second gen forks. The OEM GM first gen fork that I got works like a charm. Thanks all!