AX-15 Release Fork Orientation

[PolloLoco]

I cannot find the answer in the FSM or Haynes manual. Which way does the release fork get installed, with the slits holding the release bearing pointed towards the pivot ball or slave cylinder? From an exploded view of a JK transmission the slits are pointed towards the pivot ball, but that's not an AX-15.

[basscat]

I believe the slits go towards the slave cylinder. As the release fork is moved from its normal position (clutch pedal out), the throwout bearing is moved towards the engine and away from the transmission. The slits allow the release fork to slide along the throwout bearing as the distance from the pivot ball and the throwout brearing increase. It you oriented the slits towards the pivot ball, things would bind up when the clutch pedal was pushed.

Clutch Release.JPG

[PolloLoco]

I went with the orientation in the JK diagram. Holding the bearing and fork in my hand I got a lot more resistance from the spring clips holding the bearing to the fork and it seemed like after several hundred presses of the clutch pedal the spring would go through a lot of cycles and might damage the spring. However, after putting it all back together I have had a couple instnances of noise from the bell housing which might be the new release bearing.