I just purchased a new throwout bearing and collar assy for an 18 spline. When I unwrapped it, the bearing slides on and off the collar with little effort! Really?? I've done my share of clutches over the years ,and this is a first for me! Aren't they normally pressed on the sleeve?? Did I receive a defect? Or, am I dealing with some new technology?

If you mean the collar on the trans that houses the input shaft that the bearing rides on, yes, it's supposed to slide easily. Otherwise it would not be able to slide forward to compress the pressure plate and disengage the clutch. It's supposed to slide forward and back.

After reading it again I think you mean the bearing onto the housing that attaches to the clutch fork? There should be a c-clip or wavy spring clip that holds it onto the housing.

No, I'm talking about taking the bearing "apart in your hand" before it see's any installation..

Hmmm. The last bearing I installed did not come apart (not that I tried). Just installed it on the housing and put it together

I just put one on. The race should not come off revealing the balls.

The few I've done I had to press the bearing on and off the collar. It shouldn't be a loose fit like you describe.

I just pressed one off and on. Didn't fall off in your hand.

I have two new 18 spline TO bearings, I'll take a look at mine.

I agree the bearing assy should not come off the collar.Last one I bought was a old Timken.My parts man buddy found me one for about 25 bucks.It was at the warehouse for quite a while.I should have bought 2 when I bought it.Rocky