The clutch fork is the component that connects the clutch's slave cylinder to the throw-out bearing on the 1994 Chevrolet Silverado. The clutch fork is attached to the pivot ball, which allows the clutch fork to rotate when the clutch is engaged. Four different technical service bulletins (TSB) have been sent from the manufacturer to Chevy dealerships concerning problems with the 1994 Silverado's clutch fork and pivot ball.
A TSB published on the 1994 Chevy Silverado concerns problems with the clutch fork not engaging the clutch assembly. The clutch fork is rotating on the pivot ball and remaining stuck in place, which causes the slave cylinder to remain engaged. This causes the hub disc to overheat and crack. According to the TSB on Edmunds.com, Silverado owners are complaining about a clutch noise before the hub disc fails. This noise is attributed to the rubbing of the slave cylinder against the throw-out bearing.
Another TSB reports the 1994 Chevy Silverado is developing a rattling noise which comes from the clutch assembly during engine idle. The clutch fork is not tight on the pivot ball, which causes the clutch fork to develop excessive vibration. A clutch fork that is not tightened to the pivot ball, or that comes loose under normal driving conditions, will eventually cause the pivot ball to wear and a clutch noise will develop.
The manufacturer published a TSB concerning a problem with the transfer case jumping out of high gear on the 1994 Chevy Silverado. The clutch fork is not placing enough pressure on the throw-out bearing, causing the high range to jump out of gear and into a neutral position. No specific cause or reason has been discovered for this clutch fork and pivot ball problem on the Chevy. The TSB at Edmunds.com states that a range hub kit needs to be installed or a new main-shaft installed to correct the problem. Both of these repairs will allow enough pressure to be placed on the throw-out bearing from the clutch fork.
The fourth TSB reports a squeaking noise that is attributed to a worn pivot ball. The TSB states that noise is occurring when the clutch pedal is engaged. Once the clutch pedal is engaged, the clutch fork rotates on the pivot ball, engaging the slave cylinder and throw-out bearing. The worn pivot ball is causing the clutch fork to squeak when the clutch pedal is pressed. The clutch assembly needs to be taken apart and a new pivot ball installed, and the clutch fork needs to be inspected to ensure that no damage has been done to the fork where it connects to the pivot ball.
