what could cause a throwout bearing to come apart?

[t-bone71]

What are possible causes for a throwout bearing to break/split? The reason I ask is the other day I drove my 99 GT I parked it then went to move it and the clutch pedal went right to the floor as if there were no cable attached this was at lunch time so I had gone back to work,after work I tried it and this time I had about 2 to 3 inches of play in the pedal and it felt as if the cable was binding I had already called for a tow truck to take it the shop that did the install mind you that this is not the first time that I had to take my car in for this problem the first time it was not this bad, they said that my cable was loose and they had adjusted it and also drilled through the threaded rod on the cable and put a cotter pin through it so the nut would not back off.I had also said that when I would activate the clutch that it would sometimes squeal I was told that this was normal its been my understanding that usually means its the throwout bearing.I had also noticed that after this shop did my engine and clutch install that the clutch fork cover had not been installed so they tried to install it while I was there but the cover was hitting the clutch fork.this is still the same stock clutch fork. I previously had a spec stage 2 in it and now have a spec stage 3 they said it would not fit due to the different clutch which I think is B.S. they even tried tapping on the fork to see if it was in completely which started to make me wonder if they even know what they are doing.now this time I get a phone call and they tell me that my cable was to close to the headers and melted and thats what was causing the binding so I supplied them with a new cable and was waiting to have my car ready when they informed me that my throwout bearing had split.after they told me about the cable melting then they tried to say that it was a faulty bearing, this was after i said why didnt anyone check the clearance of the cable to the header?they wanted to charge me 375.00 for the labor I told them that I believe this should fall under them since they did the install and this is the second time ive had to take it back to them.and had previously told them about the squealing and now this happens. I guarantee that they will not see me or anymore of my money.

[hotwheels]

sounds to me like it is a poor clutch install.........

[Gtconv91]

sounds like a shitty shop... 375 for install on a clutch CABLE and a throw out bearing!!!! damn.. parts are $70 bucks maybe.. and if the clutch fork was installed incorrectly i dont think you would have been able to drive it..... with out hearing some serious metal to metal contact.. but anytime i replace a cltuch or even have it apart i replace that and the pilot bearing... yeah i got a lot of spares but stops me from pullin it apart all for a $12 bearing...but i would go some place else.. some place that works on aftermarket stuff and knows what there doin....

[t-bone71]

Thanks for the replies fellas.definately gonna use another shop, I only used them because they advertised that they specialize in mustangs, what a joke.From now on i'll drive or trailer m car the 120 miles to Phoenix to AMP's shop at least I know there they really do specialize in Mustangs.

[Yellow94GT]

i'm going though the same thing, I melted my clutch cable monday due to the bracket coming off and the cable landing on the header. it melted the plastic cover and some of the cable itself. i also think that my throw out bearing is going, cuz i hear a squealing sound and it goes away when i press the clutch just a bit. i hope mine isnt cracked or split! good luck, its hard finding reliable shops these days that care about what they do, rather then making the most money.

[whoa5oh]

throwout bearings will only split of they're subjected to bearing failure at high rpms like racing, or substandard material which is covered under warranty. when a shop takes your car in and fixes it, they're responsible for making sure that everything performs correctly and no problems will occur after it leaves their shop. it was their responsibility to check the header clearance, and if they didint they're liable for all damages.

[einehund]

I have the same problem as yellow94. i have a squealing if i am in neutral and if i press the clutch in just a little, it goes away. is that the throw out bearing, and how easy would that be to change myself. or is that out of the question?

[t-bone71]

I finally got my car back I went with a stock cable rather an aftermarket.The mech showed me the difference as far as the distance with the stock cable vs the aftermarket what a difference,He also showed me the throwout bearing what a mess.the difference in the pedal now than when I first recieved my car is like night and day they assured me that this should not happen again, my reply was it should not have happened to begin with and they would not be hearing from me again.

[hotwheels]

Well i am atleast glad it is running again man...........