[Michael C Henry]

A conventional external slave and clutch throwout arm has a spring pulling the arm and push rod forward and returning the slave cylinder piston to it's bottom. The fork should have a clip that tries to locate the arm against the pivot in the bell housing. The throwout bearing has clips on it that attach it tightly to the arm. The spring on the slave cylinder and arm is usually just enough to return the slave cylinder to a compressed position and pull the throwout bearing away from the clutch pressure plate fingers when the clutch pedal pedal is released.
I'm a stickler about keeping the clutch adjusted to ensure free travel. Over the years I've lost two throw out bearings ruining the pressure plate fingers with them. Last year I went around and a around, adjusting. Everytime I went for a ride I had no free travel . I thought the clutch disc was wearing. I thought that my spring was surely pulling the slave cylinder back. I finally was out of adjustment. I made another adjustable push rod with more adjustment potential. I replaced the clutch disc( moving up to a full 12" disc). The problem turned out to be the slave cylinder was all crappy inside. I ended up replacing it with a new slave cylinder that has a tighter better fitting boot and bright smooth finish. I think my new slave cylinder also has another 1/4" of travel potential.