TC throwout bearing

[Blitzen]

Is the throwout bearing for a twin cam generally available at local parts suppliers or is only available from the usual lotus suppliers?

[EuropaTC]

When I replaced mine it was the same price to buy from a Lotus specialist, my usual bearing supplier didn't list them for some reason. 

If you want to try your local suppliers the original fitment was supposedly from the Ford Cortina, (UK) although I don't know which model - I think it was the Mk2 but not sure.

RHP 6/W1-5057  ID 38.1mm, OD 68.6mm, 15.6mm thick. Rounded bearing surface to go on the "fingers" of the cover plate. The Elans have a different clutch cover and the bearing on those has a flat surface so they're not interchangeable.

I also picked up these part numbers as well but haven't confirmed them other than the RHP one being listed as equivalent.

Quinton Hazell CCT79 (SKF 413708), AP HD3259 ,RHP 6/W1.5057, FBJ 537018

Brian

[Blitzen]

Thanks, I was hoping it might be available locally, in which case I'd replace since I had the transaxle off but no luck with any of those numbers you provided.

[GavinT]

What's the ID number on your throwout bearing?
There should be an ID number on the inside face of bearing together with the manufacturer. I don't know what the TC arrangement looks like but you may need to press the actual bearing off the carrier to see it.

I once had difficulty finding the belt tensioner bearing for a Lotus 912 engine and the local bearing supplier had no listing at all. I was able to get the bearing identified via a 'specialist' bearing supplier who seemed to have a greater depth of catalogues.
If I recall, that bearing was ~$180 from Lotus sources but only ~$30 from these guys but he did have to order it in.

[RafM]

I'm replacing mine at the moment as the gearbox is out, SJ Sportscars, about £20.00.

Does it need to be pressed off the carrier, I can't see anything about it in the manual.

[jbcollier]

The factory may have supplied the bearing and the carrier as a unit.  Now you only get the bearing.  If you have a vise, it easy to change.  Open the jaws to support just the bearing and use a suitable soft drift and knock out the carrier.  Use a piece of wood and the vise to push the new bearing in place.