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Hi Guys, newbie here. Can anyone tell me how to lubricate the clutch release bearing? There is a fitting on the bell housing that seems to go to the bearing, is that for oil, and how to get the oil into the fitting? Is there a pressure oiling method?

Thanks for your consideration.

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We have a '38 Super and I had no idea that the clutch release bearing could be lubricated. I'd be interested in the answer too.

I would wager that most people just don't have the answer, not that they don't care.

-Kevin

I have no idea but on later models even as early as the several 1940s I had, it was a sealed bearing so no lubrication necessary or even possible.

We don't have a '37 Super Eight Manual here on the website. But the Six and Twelve manual says they are sealed bearings. But there is this note in the Six manual.

If you have a manual for your car take a look in the General Lubrication Section.

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Also, I would check the lubrication charts for grease fittings to see what is recommended in each location.

Thanks guys, I did check my manual but the only reference is on the lube chart and is quite vague, says "heavy oil" I think. Anyway, last night I rigged up a rubber hose to fit tightly over the fitting on the bell housing and pumped 10W40 into it from a pump oil can. It took it very slowly and I got about 8 pumps in it. When I started it it was completely quiet! I haven't drove it yet but I'm encouraged that the oil got to where it was supposed to and maybe is working. I'll post another comment when I drive it a few miles.
Kevinpackard, my car has a fitting on the outside of the bell housing on the passenger side. There is an access plate on the bottom right below the release bearing and I can see there is a flex line going from this fitting to the bearing. Maybe yours has the same set up?

Rick, I'll crawl under and check to see if I have the same fitting. Was your trans making noise when the car was idling?

-Kevin

hi Kevin, there was no noise when just idling. The release bearing was making noise intermittently. Not too loud, a kind of a hiss sound as soon as the clutch was depressed (even just a little pressure) and silent when released. Sometimes it would be quiet for a trip and then return next trip.

Is yours making any complaints?

Your throwout bearing evidently needed lube.

It should not have made any noise with the engine idling UNLESS you depressed the clutch pedal, even very lightly, just as you observed.

If it made noise (often a hissing noise or squeak) with NO pressure on the pedal it would indicate that your clutch linkage needed adjusted. If the linkage lacks enough free play, the throwout bearing will spin all the time, and the clutch may slip under load. Oiling the bearing may stop the noise, but it wouldn't correct the clutch linkage adjustment.