smoking through-out bearing ('24 Buick 4cyl)

I think I installed the old bearing in backwards. I just discovered the center race is slightly raised. I had the raised side facing the pressure plate (caused minor damage) but the bearing got very hot and seized. I have a new bearing which I will install with the flat side of the bearing facing the pressure plate. Am I doing this correctly?

Mine is a six cylinder, but what you described seems correct.

Did you pre-lube the bearing the first time?

Thanks Mark.

I bought the bearing from Bob's, It is sealed and doesn't seem to need lubrication.

rwolf, this is the clutch release bearing from a six cylinder, I think the four would be very similar.

You definitely want the flat side of the bearing facing out. There is a grease nipple to grease the bearing once installed but don,t over lubricate as excess grease will end up on the clutch.

Thanks again.