Clutch release bearing assemblies

Claim 1

A clutch release bearing for attachment with a friction clutch comprising an annular spring release member formed with a plurality of slots forming radially inwardly directed arms defining a central bore, said clutch release bearing comprising an inner race member, an outer race member, and a plurality of rolling bodies located therebetween, said race members having inclined race runs providing a combined axial and radial bearing, said race members being respectively formed entirely of unitary sheet metal, said outer race member having an integral axial projection extending axially away from said roll bodies, said outer race member and said projection being formed of a unitary sheet metal member joined by an integral fold therebetween to form a ring-like central sleeve portion adapted to be freely inserted within the bore of said spring release member, a first radially extending circumferential flange to pass behind the rear of said spring release member to engage therewith, and a second radially extending circumferential flange extending radially in front of the front face of said spring release member, said second flange being bent in cross section to space the roll bodies axially from the plane of said spring release member, the arms of said spring release member having free ends entering into the central sleeve portion and engaging the radial flanges of said outer race member.