Abstract: A clutch release assembly for use in a motor vehicle includes a retainer sleeve, a retainer, a release bearing and an input shaft sleeve. The retainer has an axis of rotation, and has both a first end and a second end. The retainer is disposed on the first end of the retainer sleeve. The retainer is adapted to engage a radially inwardly directed end of one of a lever and a diaphragm spring finger. The release bearing is disposed on the second end of the retainer sleeve. The input shaft sleeve is disposed radially within the retainer sleeve and has a first end and a second end. The input shaft sleeve is radially sized to slidably fit both within the retainer sleeve and over an input shaft. The input shaft sleeve has a radially inwardly extending anti-rotation feature, and a radially outwardly extending travel limit. The input shaft sleeve has a smooth low friction surface disposed toward the retainer sleeve. The input shaft sleeve protects the retainer sleeve from the input shaft.