CLUTCH RELEASE BEARING assy

EARLY MBMBM201CJ2ACJ3AM38M38A1
Manual available
Price available when back in stock
SKU:  WO945255
GTIN (EAN,ISBN): 2.3
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War Dept specs from the original Technical Manual — click to open

Clutch Release Bearing (Throw-out Bearing)

For 8-1/2" clutch

Clutch release bearing for military jeeps and civilian variants fitted with 4-134 L-head or F-head engine. This bearing is mounted in the bell housing on the clutch carrier and ensures disengagement of the clutch when the pedal is depressed. An essential component of the clutch system that regularly shows wear due to constant friction during use.

Application

Clutch system

Engine type

L-134 / F-134

Clutch size

8-1/2"

OE reference

945255

Features

  • Suitable for 4-134 L-head and F-head engines
  • For 8-1/2" clutch system
  • Works together with clutch carrier 644366
  • Replaceable component during clutch overhaul
  • Essential for smooth clutch operation

★ This clutch release bearing is compatible with both early L-head engines (1941-1953) and later F-head engines (1952-1971) with 4-134 displacement. Recommended to replace during every clutch overhaul to prevent future problems.

Application

Fits the vehicles listed in the product categories: Willys MB, Ford GPW, M201, CJ-3A, M38, CJ-3B. Suitable for vehicles with 8-1/2" clutch and 4-134 engine (both L-head and F-head variant). Note: this bearing does NOT fit vehicles with 9-1/4" clutch or 6-cylinder engines.

Installation notes

The bearing is mounted on the clutch carrier (part number 644366) which slides over the gearbox input shaft. For replacement, the gearbox/transfer case must be removed together. During overhaul: always replace the clutch disc, pressure plate as well and have the flywheel skimmed. Ensure correct adjustment of clutch free play (1 inch free pedal travel) after installation.

Compatibility

Note the difference between L-head (early MB/GPW/M201/CJ-2A) and F-head (late CJ-3A/CJ-3B/M38A1/CJ-5) engines — this bearing fits both variants. Do check whether your vehicle has an 8-1/2" or 9-1/4" clutch, this bearing is only for 8-1/2" system. Often sold as a set with clutch carrier and spring, but can also be replaced separately.

Historical context

The clutch release bearing was standard equipment on all WWII jeeps and post-war civilian models with 4-cylinder engine. The construction remained largely unchanged from 1941 to 1971, which explains the mutual interchangeability.

This description was generated automatically. Unsure about fitment? Contact us at info@willys.be.

⚠ Spotted an error in this description? Report it to info@willys.be

Restoration part — not a ready-to-fit product

This part is intended for the restoration of historic military vehicles. Fitting, aligning, deburring or reworking is part of that work and is inherent to the nature of these goods. Dimensional variation also exists between original vehicles.

Installation requires technical knowledge of the vehicle. Unsure whether this part suits your version? Ask us before purchase at info@willys.be.

COMPATIBLE_MODELS EARLY MB, MB, M201, CJ2A, CJ3A, M38, M38A1
ALL_CATEGORIES : GROUP 02 - CLUTCH CJ3A, GROUP 02 - CLUTCH - M38, GROUP 02 - Clutch CJ3B

This part fits:

ModelYears
Military jeeps
Willys MB (early)1941, 1942
Willys MB1942, 1943, 1944, 1945
Hotchkiss M2011956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966
Willys M381950, 1951, 1952
Willys M38A11952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971
CJ series
Jeep CJ-2A1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949
Jeep CJ-3A1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953

📐 Diagrams & technical drawings

From the original Technical Manual CJ2A_PL_1949 — Parts List — only for Willys CJ-2A / CJ-3A (1949)

Group 11-01 — Clutch Assembly
Group 11-01 — Clutch Assembly
Page 33–33
Group 11-02 — Clutch Control Parts
Group 11-02 — Clutch Control Parts
Page 34–35

From the original Technical Manual TM 10-1513 — Maintenance Manual — only for Willys MB / Ford GPW (1942)

Clutch — Single plate dry disc 8 inch
Clutch — Single plate dry disc 8 inch
Page 38–42