>
> You are refering to the 'clutch release bearing' aka 'throwout bearing'.
> This bearing bears on the release forks of the clutch pressure plate when
> the clutch pedal is depressed. *It is normally lifetime lubricated but that
> lifetime is affected by total time in operation, which is greatly reduced by
> placing trans in neutral (foot off the pedal) like you correctly do at stop
> lights. *This bearing is normally replaced whenever the cluch driven plate
> is replaced.
>
> When the clutch is released (pedal depressed), the driving surfaces
> (flywheel and pressure plate) are rotating very close (probably touching on
> one side) to the driven clutch plate surfaces, and while this will not
> provide substantial torque transfer, IMHO there is still wear to the now
> stationary driven plate as well as heat generation.

Yes! He did mention some sort of a bearing and that must be it. Thank
you for confirming it for me.

>
> You indicate good driver disipline and training and IMHO this is a big
> reason for your good service life.
>
You seem to be very knowledgeable on the subject. Thank you for your
kind words... coming from you they really mean a lot to me.

Alex