O/T: '91 Dakota, lubing throwout bearing?

I have a '91 Dakota, V6, 5 speed, 4x4. The throwout bearing is slightly noisy, probably due to the fact that it sat for a couple years; previous owners couldn't figure out that the pick-up plate in the distributor was bad.

My oldest son used the truck, called me after he brought it back, said the transmission was making noise. Short version of the story: he put about 100 miles on it with no oil in the trans. Instead of calling me when the noise first began, he decided to haul furniture for his mother(my ex), take his girlfriend home, etc... but that's a whole 'nother topic on common sense and why it isn't so common any more.

So...I now have a used trans to go back into the truck. I was told it had been rebuilt. I agree that it makes sense to put a clutch kit in it while it's apart anyway.

However, I can't afford to spend $170 on parts, and then possibly find out that the trans isn't as good as I was told.

I can deal with having to pull the trans again next summer to do the clutch if it's necessary. What I'm hoping to do now is solve the problem that I KNOW exists(noisy throwout bearing) because I don't want that to mask any other noises that the trans may potentially be making.

Is there any way to lube the throwout bearing? Needle tip on grease gun? Submerge in heavy oil? Or is it completely sealed and I'm wasting my time?

Another thought I just had: IIRC, the in previous trans was worse with the clutch released. Was it maybe a bad input shaft bearing in the old trans? Doesn't a bad throwout bearing make more noise when the clutch is depressed, hence putting pressure on the throwout?

Darn it, now I've confused myself... :~

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks for your time,

Anthony

I'm not familiar with your vehicle but if is wasn't designed with a greasable throw out bearing, I would replace it with a new one. It's too much work to change it, but I would change the clutch and pressure plates while I was in there. I just finished a clutch overhaul on my tractor. The throw out bearing was in pretty good condition. I could feel just a little friction on one spot when I would turn it. Rather than risk it I purchased a new one to be sure.

I agree with replacing the throw out brg for sure they shouldn't be that much, I have used my cone-type brg greaser to relube them but if you don't have one or access to one the cheapest way is just to rplace it

I think if the bearing is making noise it means the balls are not round anymore, and new lube will not do much good. You should spring for a new one. Your son driving the truck knowing it is making noise, reminds me of my daughter driving our chevy chevett home when it was over heating. Dad I thought I could make it home. It stopped on the freeway, and she accepted a ride form a total stranger. Thank God nothing happened to her. stan

Change it out. It will partially seize and grind through your clutch cover. BTDT

Replace it and make your son pay for the parts! My oldest had my truck while I was on my last tour of Germany. He had joine the Air Force while I was gone. I got home to find out he had over heated the engine, bad while on a date. I called him at Shaw AFB when I got home and needed the truck as I was heading to Ft Riley (3rd time) and told him that he was paying for an engine. It's the only way they seem to learn is to make em pay for their mistakes!

Rick

I would replace the throwout bearing, if the pressure plate looks good and the lining on the disc doesn't look to be too thin, I would re-use them.

A throwout bearing is pretty cheap compared to
what it takes to pull the tranny again.
"IF YOU DON"T HAVE TIME TO DO IT RIGHT-WHEN WILL
YOU HAVE TIME TO DO IT OVER"?