Replacing the clutch

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Gornal
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Replacing the clutch

Post by Gornal »

Can anyone tell me how to tell if the clutch needs replacing? It was working perfectly but I have the engine out and tranny off. A replacement costs around $450 and I don't want to spend it unless it really needs it.

thanks
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mraitch
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Re: Replacing the clutch

Post by mraitch »

Not sure where you are getting all that pricing from!

Dean's FULL kit runs less than that.

No idea how to check - perhaps in TechWiki there are minimum dimensions.

Do suggest however replacing front transmission seal, regardless. You can always replace the rear without pulling transmission.

Check throwout bearing for smoothness.

As you go, make a note of dates/mileage you replaced things, that will give you a much higher level of certainty.
Peter Harrison
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greydog
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Re: Replacing the clutch

Post by greydog »

You have to pull the engine to service the clutch so for most it makes little sense to worry about getting rhat last bit of use. Some parts are expensive, others not.
Last time the engine was out of the 1600, I had the flwheel lightened, repaced the clutch disc and pilot bearing. I had the flywheel/clutch assembly balanced. I installed a front seal on the trans and put it back together. The pressure plate and throwout bearing were fine so I took a chance and used them. I am into the clutch less than $200.00 including machine work and balancing.
.Clutch works smoothly and car seems to rev quicker.
At the minimum, Id install a new friction disc. Check the flywheel and pressure plate for warps, hot spots and if none, chean and deglaze them. Chech the throwout bearing roughness ot wear at the pressure points. Double clean it all and put it back together.
Dan
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Gornal
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Re: Replacing the clutch

Post by Gornal »

Awesome, thanks for the great advice Dan, will do
JT68
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Re: Replacing the clutch

Post by JT68 »

Yes, it would be madness not to replace the disc at least. Any vendor can provide one for around 50$
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fj20spl311
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Re: Replacing the clutch

Post by fj20spl311 »

JT68 wrote: Sun Oct 21, 2018 10:53 pm Yes, it would be madness not to replace the disc at least. Any vendor can provide one for around 50$
+1
Disc in a no brainer, TO bearing - maybe
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Re: Replacing the clutch

Post by C.Costine »

You want the clutch release earring to be absolutely smooth with a little resistance to turning.
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Re: Replacing the clutch

Post by jrusso07 »

Would also replace the pilot bushing in the crank where tranny input shaft inserts. To remove pack the hole with grease. Get a wooden dowl the same diameter as the transmission input shaft. Push/hmmer dowl intothe grease in the hole...pilot bushing will be pushed out by the grease. Clean everything after... bushing is very inexpensive
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Linda
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Re: Replacing the clutch

Post by Linda »

AutoZone has a free tool loan program which has a pilot bearing attatchment tool for pulling the bearing also.
Or you can try this method courtesy of the Food Network :P
viewtopic.php?f=57&t=30161&p=276387&hil ... ng#p276387

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Sadly-Linda has passed away 2022. She was the 311's den mother and drove the first Rare-Parts ball joint project. RIP.
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