Method of assembling a clutch release bearing and corresponding clutch release bearing, in particular for automotive vehicles

Method of assembling a clutch release bearing which incorporates a maneuvering member comprising a transverse flange and an abutment shoulder spaced from the flange, and a drive member comprising at least one generally annular axial member, a transverse radial rim adapted to bear on the flange of the maneuvering member and between the radial rim and the annular member, an axially acting annular spring which is adapted to urge the radial rim of the drive member towards the flange of the maneuvering member, bearing to this end on the maneuvering member, and which has two stable configurations in one of which the annular spring is generally concave (relative to a given axial observation direction) and in the other of with the annular spring is generally convex (relative to the same axial observation direction), said method comprising the steps of inserting the drive member in the axial direction onto the maneuvering member, from the same side as the abutment shoulder and with the annular spring is a first of its configurations and, after the annular spring comes into abutting relationship with the abutment shoulder of the abutment shoulder of the maneuvering member continuing axial movement of the drive member until the annular member of the drive member causes the annular spring to flip over, changing from the first configuration to the second configuration.