A6552501513 Clutch Release Fork For Mercedes Benz Actros Axor Atego

A6552501513 - Release fork OE number by MERCEDES-BENZ

1.Quick Notice

A6552501513 release fork for Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles. Clutch release fork designed for automated manual transmission (AMT) and manual transmission systems. Direct OE replacement component. No pivot ball or release bearing included. Verify transmission model and original fork shape before ordering. Professional installation required.

2.Description

The A6552501513 is a clutch release fork manufactured to Mercedes-Benz OE specifications for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. This release fork is a critical component of the clutch actuation system. It transfers linear motion from the clutch slave cylinder or release cylinder to the clutch release bearing. The fork pivots on a ball stud inside the transmission bell housing. One end connects to the actuation rod or hydraulic cylinder. The other end engages the release bearing carrier.

The fork is produced from forged steel with precision-machined contact surfaces. Forged steel provides the necessary strength to withstand repeated high-load cycling. During each clutch pedal application, the release fork experiences forces that can exceed 300 kilograms at the release bearing contact point. Cast forks used in lighter vehicles would fatigue and crack under these loads. The A6552501513 forging grain structure follows the contours of the fork geometry. This grain flow pattern distributes stress evenly across the entire component.

Two critical wear surfaces exist on this release fork. The pivot pocket receives the ball stud. This pocket is machined to a specific radius that matches the ball stud diameter. A worn or misshapen pocket causes the fork to slip off the ball stud or rock side to side. The fork arms include contact pads that push against the release bearing carrier. These pads are surface hardened to resist galling and pitting over hundreds of thousands of clutch cycles.

The overall length of the fork determines the mechanical advantage ratio of the clutch linkage. A longer fork reduces slave cylinder stroke requirements but increases actuation force. A shorter fork reduces actuation force but requires longer cylinder stroke. The A6552501513 fork length is calibrated specifically for the transmission and clutch combination used in vehicles carrying this part number.

This release fork is documented for use with the Mercedes-Benz G131 and G131-9 transmissions . These transmissions are automated manual transmissions found in various Actros, Axor, and Atego model trucks . The fork also fits certain manual transmission variants including the G85-6 and G85-6/7.9-6.2 units .

The A6552501513 supersedes earlier release fork part numbers. Compatibility depends on the specific transmission serial number range. Vehicles built before the supersession cut-in date may require additional components for proper fitment.

This replacement fork is suitable when the original fork exhibits cracks around the pivot pocket, worn or flattened contact pads, bending deformation, or fractures through the fork arm. A bent release fork causes uneven release bearing pressure. Uneven pressure accelerates bearing failure. A cracked release fork can fail completely during clutch operation. Complete fork failure leaves the clutch engaged permanently. The vehicle cannot be shifted into or out of gear.

3.Parameter Table

4.Custom Content

Installation notes for A6552501513 release fork. Remove the transmission from the vehicle before accessing the release fork. Transmission removal is unavoidable. Clean the interior of the bell housing thoroughly before installing the new fork. Remove all old grease and clutch dust.

Pivot point inspection. Inspect the ball stud inside the bell housing. The ball stud must be smooth and round. A worn or scored ball stud destroys the new fork pivot pocket quickly. Replace the ball stud if any surface defect is visible. Grease the ball stud with high-temperature bearing grease before installing the fork. Do not use standard chassis grease. Chassis grease melts at clutch operating temperatures.

Release bearing and carrier. Inspect the release bearing carrier contact pads. The fork contact pads ride against these carrier surfaces. Worn carrier surfaces reduce clutch release travel. Replace the carrier if wear grooves are present. Install a new release bearing at the same time. The bearing and fork share wear patterns. Old bearing plus new fork accelerates bearing failure.

Fork engagement. Engage the fork arms with the release bearing carrier before seating the pivot pocket onto the ball stud. Lubricate the contact pads with thin layer of high-temperature grease. Ensure both fork arms contact the carrier evenly. Uneven contact bends the fork over time.

Transmission reinstallation. Guide the transmission input shaft through the clutch disc and pressure plate. Do not let the transmission weight hang on the release fork during alignment. Support the transmission fully until bell housing bolts are started. Torque bell housing bolts to manufacturer specification.

5.FAQ (Q&A Format)

Q1: Which Mercedes-Benz trucks use the A6552501513 release fork?
A1: This release fork fits Actros, Axor, and Atego trucks equipped with G131, G131-9, G85-6, or G85-6/7.9-6.2 transmissions . Check your transmission identification plate before ordering.

Q2: Is this fork for manual or automated manual transmissions?
A2: The A6552501513 fits both AMT and manual transmission variants . The G131 series transmissions are automated manuals. The G85 series includes both manual and automated versions.

Q3: What is the difference between A6552501513 and A6552500113?
A3: A6552501513 is a superseded version of A6552500113 . The later fork includes updated geometry for improved release bearing contact. Compatibility depends on vehicle production date and transmission serial number.

Q4: Does the release fork include the pivot ball stud?
A4: No. The fork includes only the forged steel component. The pivot ball stud inside the bell housing must be ordered separately if replacement is needed.

Q5: Can I replace the release fork without removing the transmission?
A5: No. The release fork is located inside the bell housing between the engine and transmission. Transmission removal is mandatory to access the fork.

Q6: What are the signs of a failing release fork?
A6: Signs include clutch pedal feel becoming inconsistent, difficulty disengaging the clutch, squeaking or grinding noises from bell housing area, and transmission gears grinding during engagement attempts.

Q7: How long does a release fork typically last?
A7: The fork itself can last the life of the transmission under normal operation. Fork failure is usually triggered by failed release bearing, worn pivot ball stud, or improper clutch adjustment rather than fork fatigue alone.

Q8: Is this fork compatible with dual-plate clutch systems?
A8: Yes. The G131 and G131-9 transmissions are often paired with dual-plate clutches in heavy-duty Actros applications . The fork geometry supports the higher release force required by dual-plate systems.

Q9: What lubrication is required for the pivot point?
A9: Use high-temperature grease with a dropping point above 260°C. Molybdenum disulfide bearing grease is recommended. Do not use lithium grease. Lithium grease melts and runs off at clutch operating temperatures.

Q10: Why does my new release fork make noise during clutch operation?
A10: Noise immediately after replacement indicates one of three issues. The ball stud is worn or damaged. The release bearing carrier surface is grooved. The fork contact pads are not seated correctly on the carrier. Disassemble and inspect all three components.