Clutch release bearing squealing again

[richardu]

I hope all of you in the Unique family are doing well. I haven’t posted on the Forum in a while. I’ve got a problem that I need your help on. I’ve got a 351W built by SA with a RAM 11” high performance clutch, a 1-1/16” small spline Toploader, a Lakewood bellhousing, and a conventional clutch slave throw out bearing and clutch fork set up (photos attached). I believe the release bearing is a standard Ford type with a zerk grease fitting on it (presumably greasing is a one shot deal when installing the bearing because it’s covered up by the bellhousing after installation). I had the clutch bearing replaced two years ago (at 4,000 miles) because it was squealing like crazy with the car in any gear and moving. I thought I had fixed the problem because the squealing went away after the replacement. I’m now at 6,000 miles and the loud squealing is back big time; same as before while the car is in gear and moving. I didn’t check the free play between the clutch slave piston and the clutch fork right after my mechanic did the replacement. I checked it last year and it was tighter than it should be so I loosened it up. Before I have the tranny dropped to replace the bearing or do the work myself, I want make sure I achieve a longer lasting fix. How should I best address this problem? Is there another type of clutch release bearing I can use that will be longer lasting (with the right amount of free play set), or is this the only type I can use with my set up? Can a hole be drilled in the bellhousing to provide access to the zerk fitting for greasing with everything assembled? Are there any other solutions? I would greatly appreciate any advice you can provide so I can get this problem permanently solved. The weather is warming up here in Naperville,IL and its time to start rollin!

Thanks,
Dick Untch