Clutch release bearing spacer

[pabloz]

Hi

I have an old alfa conversion kit for a bay that i am getting back up and running

when i first moved the bus last year often when depressing the clutch there would be a squeal/rubbing noise as the clutch released- so the clutch is not releasing completely.

I spoke to someone who was vaguely involved with the conversion and he seemed to think that there had been a spacer(approx 4mm) welded to the face of the clutch release bearing.
Its all stripped down at the moment and i am just about to replace with new clutch and bearing(the one that was in there was standard vw with no mods) and wondering how I could check/measure wether this spacer is needed.

I assume that normally the release bearing has a small gap between it and the clutch pressure plate mechanism when not being used. Also 4mm doesn`t seem much- would it be possible just to adjust the clutch cable up more. But maybe its more that the release bearing wouldnt reach far enough still after adjustment.

how can i measure or check this accurately whilst its out of the bus. if i need to get it extended who can do this sort of thing?

Its a irs beetle box with standard crb and vw clutch attached to alfa flywheel for info.

hope this makes sense and would be grateful for any thoughts!