Ricambi and Hill Engineering to the Rescue!

Been trying to make due with 348 factory throw out bearing and flange over the years. Have been installing new seals when it starts weeping from the back of the flange. However, the weeping has started again and I replaced the seals only a few weeks ago. I guess over time the flange surface starts wearing too. Anyway, I decided to finally take my wise mechanic's advice and purchase the new upgraded throw out bearing assembly and flange made by Hill Engineering from Ricambi.

Ferrari Parts : CRB355MS 348/F355 Clutch Release Bearing (168594) : Ricambi America

Ferrari Parts : CRBF348/355M Flange : Ricambi America

I'm told this will fix this stupid problem once and for all . I've bought several items from Hill for my 348 over the years and their stuff is always perfect, so I'm looking forward to trying this out. It's supposed to arrive tomorrow, but I'm leaving town this weekend so hopefully I will do the install soon. I recently installed a brand new AP clutch and probably should have done it then, but was hoping the new seals would last and I could save a little money. The triple seals have been replaced and I'm leaking zero gear oil also the flywheel is not leaking any grease and the surface looked good. Here are a few photos from the clutch install a few weeks ago....going back into the pumpkin soon. Pics to follow.
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Wow, that was fast, thanks Ricambi! This stuff almost looks too nice to install I hope to start on it next week....I'm a closet Stooge at heart I guess
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Ok, even though I'm not pulling the pumpkin until next week, I decided to install the large seal in the back of the new flange and put the two "loose" threaded studs into the two galley holes. These threaded studs get some thin loctite on them and then are threaded into the galley holes at the top of the flange. They are then cut off with a hacksaw and filed smoothly down. They are needed to keep the hydraulic fluid from gushing out top of the flange when pressurized.

I know that reading from several threads in this section that getting the seal installed flush and evenly in the flange is critical so I took my time. The harbor freight seal installation kit I own really came in handy. Now I just have to be especially careful not to catch the lip of the seal and fold it back while carefully sliding it in place over the shaft. More to come.
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Pic 2
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Actually it was just full strength Simple Green and a good brush. It just took a little while. I too was surprised how well it came out.

 

Thanks guys. Will post some pics when I do the install. Hoping for a drama free experience

 

Yes through the tops. The fluid enters in through the back of the flange with two small o rings sealing it and comes out through the 2 small holes on the flange neck.

In Paul's video (link below) at 5:05 you can see him remove the flange with the 2 small o rings inset behind it. Maybe someone else can chime in why the holes with the threaded studs are required in the first place? Maybe part of the manufacturing process to drill the 2 vertical channels for the fluid to go through and out the front, to operate the throw out bearing back and forth? Several of these flanges have been used and I haven't heard of any fluid leaking back through those loctite threaded studs.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yVmpOHpsVLM

 

Here's a better picture of the flange with the 2 small exit holes half way down the neck of the flange.
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Ok had some time last night, so I got the old throw out bearing off along with the flange. Here are a few pictures of the progress. You can see that my problem was the seals in the factory throw out bearing. Actually, I had just recently replaced them a few weeks back, but it just kept slowly weeping. I guess over time the flange surface can wear and the seals don't hold as well.

I installed the new Hill throw out bearing and flange also tonight. I apologize as I didn't take many pictures. Guess I was distracted. Don't be alarmed with the 5th picture that shows the new stuff installed. I didn't forget to attach the bearing stop that mounts to the two threaded holes on top of the flange. I just forgot to take a picture of it.

The only headache was putting the pumpkin back on. It took me about 90 minutes. Most of the time is only takes me a couple minutes to get it back on, but for what ever reason I just couldn't get everything to line up. Thankfully, Ernie "my brother from another mother", gave me a couple tips and encouragement about 45 minutes into it

I put the car on the ground and drove it back and forth on the driveway a few times to test the new setup. I wanted to make sure everything worked and that the large seal behind the new flange wasn't leaking before I put the muffler and bumper back on. I know you can do this job while leaving the on, but I've got the bumper removal and install down to a science now and like the extra room it gives me with it off. Happy to report absolutely no leaks and the clutch feels great after a good bleeding.
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Vince, I'm sure the only reason I didn't mess that gasket up was because I was able to look at previous people in this forum that had a same challenge with it as you did. Because of those threads I knew the potential problem with not getting the seal flush and needing to be extra cautious while installing the flange. I bet knowing what you do now, you will have zero problems when you go to install it next time. FYI... That Ferrari seal is now $60

 

Thanks Mike.

 

LOL..thanks

 

Just an update, I've driven the car 50 miles since the install. I removed the mesh plate under the bell housing and inspected the area. Absolutely no fluid on the plate or anywhere. Bone dry! Hill products are amazing!!