Shaunc

(Coming off another post I made about changing the clutch release bearing on my xr3i 89 escort MFI)

I took off the gearbox today to change the clutch release bearing and I seem to have found why it's been failing and making a noise. It isn't really connected as it should be, or so I think.
When reading the haynes manual it says this...


But when I had the box infront of me I could just pull the bearing off and there was no retaining nut to take off or any retaining part attached to the bearing itself.
Also the pin that the haynes manual talks about seems to be snapped off as in the photos below





So I thought a previous owner had replaced the bearing at some point and just not put this bolt on retaining part back in place for some reason and the only thing holding it was the pin on the top and that's why it's snapped under pressure but now when I have been googling images of a mk4 escort gearbox it seems none of the gearboxes have this MYSTERY MISSING PART!

So what the hell is it talking about?
And also where can I get a new retaining pin?
Anyone?
Please!!

haz87

There should only be one pin - I know it looks like there should be two.
Take the lever shaft out completely. Wonder if someone has fitted the bearing retaining fork 180degrees out (threaded bolt hole being the other side as it stands so hidden until you remove).

Shaunc

Right ok I get you.
So all I need to do when refitting it fit a new pin on the clutch release bearing and I'm good?
There's no other missing part to keep it in place?.....

Also any idea at all where I might find one? Been scouring the net for ages and no joy

Shaunc

Right ok! So I've sorted my release bearing problem out and it just needed a new pin that holds it in at the top.
However now I have a new problem!!
I sortEd the clutch release bearing, put the gearbox back on and then when I tried to connect the clutch cable it wouldn't reach the fork because the fork bar would move it was stuck!!
So I took the gearbox back off again and had a look inside and everything looks fine. The release bearing moves forward and back freely when moving the fork bar on the bell housing so I can't see what the problem is. I have now fitted the gearbox back on the engine AGAIN!! and still the same problem, the fork will not move. What the hell is going on?!
HELP

haz87

You wont be able to manually move the fork back. You pull the cable right through and hook it into the slit.

Shaunc

So it's normal for it to be so stiff?
I was really struggling to make the cable reach. I don't remember it being so tight when I took it off