Product Description
The SACHS Clutch release bearing (3151 600 720) is an original-equipment-quality drivetrain component manufactured by SACHS (a premium brand under the ZF Aftermarket umbrella). Positioned on the transmission input shaft guide sleeve inside the bell housing, its primary operational function is to bridge the gap between the stationary clutch release linkage and the spinning clutch pressure plate. When the driver presses the clutch pedal, this bearing pushes directly against the diaphragm spring fingers of the pressure plate to interrupt power transfer from the engine to the gearbox, allowing for smooth gear changes. Over decades of shifting gears or due to riders resting their foot on the clutch pedal, the internal ball bearings lose their factory lubrication, flat-spot, and overheat. This leads to a distinct whirring or squealing noise that vanishes the moment you release the pedal, along with a stiff or gritty pedal feel.
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: SACHS (ZF)
- Item Number: 3151 600 720
- Product Condition: New
- Component Classification: Manual Transmission Clutch Release / Throwout Bearing
- Parameter Code: KZIS-1
- Lubrication: Factory pre-packed with heavy-duty, high-shear thermal grease designed to endure extreme clutch dust and operating temperatures
Vehicle Compatibility
This classic mechanical release bearing is a foundational drivetrain component engineered to interface with 4-speed and 5-speed manual gearboxes (such as the classic Type 9 and MT75 architectures) across classic rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and commercial Ford platforms:
| Car Model / Platform | Compatible Transmission Layouts | Engine Profiles & Families | Year of Manufacture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Sierra Mk1 & Mk2 (GBG, GB4, BNG) | Type 9 and MT75 manual setups (Saloon, Hatchback, and Estate trims) |
1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 / 2.0 i / 2.3 / 2.8 i / 2.9 i (Pinto, OHC, CVH, Cologne V6) |
1982 - 1993 |
| Ford Transit Mk2, Mk3, Mk4, Mk5 | Light commercial manual drivetrains | 1.6 / 2.0 Petrol / 2.5 DI / 2.5 TD Diesel lines | 1978 - 2000 |
| Ford Capri Mk2 & Mk3 (ECP) / Granada | Classic RWD manual configurations | 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.3 / 2.8 Super Injection / 2.8 i | 1974 - 1987 |
| Ford Scorpio Mk1 (GAE, GGE) | Standard longitudinal manual gearboxes | 1.8 / 2.0 / 2.0 i / 2.4 i / 2.8 i / 2.9 i | 1985 - 1994 |
| Ford Escort Mk2 (ATH) | Standard manual configurations | 1.6 RS / 2.0 RS (Pinto / Kent layouts) | 1975 - 1980 |
⚠️ Clutch Overhaul Installation Advice: While replacing a noisy release bearing fixes immediate operational symptoms, it requires fully decoupling and rolling back the transmission from the engine block. Because of this high labor overhead, it is **highly discouraged to replace the bearing alone**. Mechanics universally recommend installing a complete three-piece clutch kit (bearing, pressure plate, and friction disc) along with a fresh input shaft pilot bearing. When installing the new bearing, ensure it slides completely freely along the guide sleeve, and apply only an incredibly microscopic film of high-temperature splines grease to the release fork pivot contact points—excessive greasing will contaminate the nearby clutch friction disc face.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Reference Numbers
This premium replacement drivetrain release bearing matches or substitutes directly for the following factory original catalog entries:
- FORD: 1 484 974, 1484974, 5 027 203, 5027203, 75BB-7548-AA, 75BB7548AA, 83BB-7548-AA, 83BB7548AA
- LuK (Interchange Reference): 500 0071 10, 500007110
- SKF (Interchange Reference): VKC 2144, VKC2144
- QUINTON HAZELL (Interchange Reference): CCT132