Tractor Repair: case/ih 265 release bearing, clutch linkage, clutch plates

Question
Do I need to replace my clutch plates or just my release bearing? my case 265 clutch linkage is fully adjusted and lately it has not been disengaging. I thought it needed replaced but upon splitting the tractor i found that the release bearing has worn uneven around the shaft holding the bearing causing the bearing to drop down and not hit the clutch fingers evenly. How would i know if the clutch plates are bad also? What might cause this bearing hub to wear so out of round?

Answer
You need to change it all, even the rear main seal of the engine and pilot bearing of the clutch. You would hate to have to split the tractor again just to change a part that is accessible now. The problem with the trow out bearing ridding uneven you need to check the shaft for being straight and check the linkage to make sure it puts pressure equally on both side of the bearing. Probably just normal use or riding the clutch that caused the uneven wear.