Got the tranny out.

[Semper Gumby]

Well I got the tranny out.  Since there was a bit of oil coming from the throwout bearing, I'm going to replace the seal on the thrust piece.  But the throwout bearing (roller type) looks fine.  All the rollers turn smoothly and it was clean and smooth - not scored.  I'm going back to the snowbum site to read but I seem to recall him suggesting placing a drop or two of gear oil on the rollers.  I thought I heard somebody else saying some grease.  I think the squeek is where the rod meets the pressure ring inside the clutch.  Small dab of Honda moly should do the trick and wala.  The spline continues to look fine.  10000 miles between lube jobs seems to be about right.

Is there a more preferable throwout bearing for this or should I put what I have back in?

Thanks.

[Bob_Roller]

I don't think there are any alternate parts that will replace the throw out bearing. The design was changed for the '81 model year, but I can tell you, it isn't a very strong looking bearing, if memory serves me correct, the inner and outer races are aluminum. I lube the bearing with a few drops of gear oil.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I used to use grease, then I changed to gear lube when I began reading Boxerworks.

I have never heard of an upgrade for this bearing, either.

In 80,000 mi and 26 years I have only had one destruct on me.

[Semper Gumby]

Well then Gear oil and a new seal it is.  Thanks.

Bill

[nhmaf]

I think that these needle-type design roller bearings need to use the thinner gear oil instead of a thicker paste
like moly grease as the rollers tend to just push along "hills" of grease, which doesn't get in the little nooks
and crannies for proper lubrication, which the gear oil will do.