Forklift Clutch Release Bearing

Forklift Clutch Release Bearing: Thrust Bearings — CT52A 9688211 H3A13-42371, 94-90mm OD, 8 Product Lines, HELI Toyota Komatsu

The clutch release bearing — also called throwout bearing or thrust bearing — is the bearing that pushes against the pressure plate diaphragm spring fingers to disengage the clutch. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the release fork pivots and pushes the release bearing forward against the rotating diaphragm spring — the bearing must simultaneously handle both the axial thrust load (pushing against the spring) and the rotational speed of the pressure plate assembly (which is bolted to the engine flywheel and spins at engine RPM). The release bearing is a sealed, pre-lubricated angular-contact ball bearing designed for intermittent operation — it only rotates when the clutch pedal is depressed, which is a fraction of total engine running time. However, when it does rotate, it must withstand full engine RPM against a spring-loaded axial load of 200-400 kg. A failed release bearing produces a grinding, squealing, or chirping noise when the clutch pedal is depressed — the noise disappears when the pedal is released because the bearing stops rotating. The release bearing is the single most labor-intensive component to replace in the entire forklift powertrain because it requires transmission removal to access — making the parts cost of the bearing trivial compared to the labor cost. A release bearing should always be replaced whenever the transmission is removed for any reason (clutch replacement, engine rebuild, transmission service) because the labor to replace it later is identical to the labor for the current job.

Kingstream supplies 8 clutch release bearing product lines covering the most common forklift OEM numbers: CT52A, CT52A-1, 9688211, and H3A13-42371. Also available: release bearing housings (the cast carrier that holds the bearing and slides on the transmission input shaft guide tube) and bearing bases (the mounting bracket for the release fork pivot). Dimensions range from 90-94mm outer diameter, 45-55mm inner bore, and 18-21mm width.

Release Bearings by OEM Number:
• CT52A (CT52A-BRG) — Type CT52A thrust bearing for forklift clutch release. Universal fit for TCM, Komatsu, and Toyota forklifts using the CT52A specification. The CT52A (and its variant CT52A-1) is one of the most widely used clutch release bearings in the forklift industry
• CT52A-1 94×52×20mm (CLUTCH-BRG-52) — CT52A-1 release bearing with dimensions 94mm outer diameter, 52mm bore, and 20mm width. Direct replacement under the CT52A-1 part number
• 9688211 92×55×21mm (CLUTCH-BRG-55 / 9688211-BRG / 9688211RS / 9688211-BASE) — The 9688211 family is the most common HELI forklift clutch release bearing. Available in multiple variants: standard bearing (9688211-BRG, CLUTCH-BRG-55), RS sealed version (9688211RS, dimensions 90×45×18mm), and release bearing base (9688211-BASE, manual clutch type for 2-3.5T forklifts). Verify your forklift’s exact 9688211 sub-variant before ordering — the bearing base (mounting bracket) is not interchangeable with the bearing itself
• H3A13-42371 (H3A13-42371) — Original factory separate bearing seat for forklift clutch release systems. Specific OEM number for precise fitment — verify against your existing bearing seat part number

Release Bearing Housing & Carrier:
• 30HB Release Bearing Housing (30HB-RBH) — Release bearing housing for HELI and Hyundai 30HB series forklifts. The housing is the cast iron carrier that holds the release bearing and slides on the transmission input shaft guide tube. A worn or grooved housing bore will cause the bearing to bind on the guide tube, preventing smooth clutch engagement and disengagement

When to Replace Release Bearings:
• Noise when clutch pedal is depressed — grinding, squealing, whistling, or chirping → The release bearing is dry or the bearing races are spalled. Note: a light whirring sound is normal; grinding is not. Replace the bearing — transmission removal required
• Clutch pedal feels rough, gritty, or pulsates when depressed → The release bearing is binding on the guide tube from dried grease, or the bearing balls are damaged. Replace bearing and inspect guide tube for scoring
• Transmission removed for any reason → The release bearing is 100% accessible with zero additional labor. Replace it regardless of apparent condition. Reusing a release bearing is the single most common false economy in forklift repair — saving $20 on a bearing to risk $500+ in labor to do it again
• Release bearing housing is grooved or scored on the inner bore (visible when the old bearing is removed) → The bearing has been binding on the guide tube. The housing bore must be smooth for the bearing to slide freely. If the housing is integral to the bearing (sealed unit), replace the entire bearing assembly. If separate, replace the housing
• Clutch has been slipping for an extended period → The excess heat from the slipping pressure plate has been conducted through the diaphragm spring fingers directly into the release bearing, overheating the bearing grease. Even if the bearing sounds fine now, the grease has been degraded and will fail prematurely. Replace the bearing

OEM Cross-Reference:

Don’t see your bearing? Send your bearing outer diameter, bore, width, and forklift model →

Compatible: HELI 2-3.5T, TCM, Komatsu, Toyota, Hyundai 30HB. Browse our transmission parts catalog.