Clutch Fitting Hints.

< Back to Support page.

Here is a list of hints to take note of when fitting a new clutch to any vehicle.

  1. Establish the reason for a replacement clutch being required. If this is not a normal wear-out, then the root of the requirement must be corrected, such as oil contamination, misalignment etc.
  2. Check that the parts are not damaged prior to fitting, particularly check for bent straps and bent clips. This can be done by gently tapping the cover assembly on the ground and if you hear a rattle sound, that means the straps are bent. Do not abuse the assembly or drop it as this will cause the straps to bend and you will experience release failure.
  3. Check that the driven plate slides freely on the gearbox shaft and spin to check that it is not distorted.
  4. Make sure you machine your flywheel and when you assemble the flywheel, make sure there is no run out or end float. Non machining of flywheel may void warranty.
  5. Check release arm for wear, cracking and freedom to pivot.
  6. Check release bearing guide tube and spigot bearing for wear.
  7. Thoroughly clean bell housing and spine shaft. Very lightly grease spline shaft. Note that copper based products are not recommended.
  8. Check dowels, including bell housing dowels.
  9. Assemble cover assembly over the driven plate using an alignment tool and ensure the cover is correctly aligned with the flywheel dowels. Progressively tighten cover fixing bolts in a diagonal fashion. Over tightening one end before the other will result in bending the straps. DO NOT USE AIR TOOLS. Check that the plate is fitted the correct way round.
  10. Refit gearbox, taking care not to bend the driven plate. Never use force to insert or align the gearbox.
  11. Ensure that all of the bell housing dowels are in position and correctly tighten bell housing bolts.
  12. Carry out any adjustment as shown in the vehicle workshop manual. Make sure there is free play between the bearing and diaphragm or else this could result in overthrowing and fouling the diaphragm against the driven plate. This is normally caused by piston jamming in the slave cylinder.
  13. Road test, but do not abuse a newly fitted clutch. Run in for about 1000 kilometres and carry out routine adjustments and checks throughout the vehicle life.
  14. Make sure your hands and any tools used are clean and free from any lubricants that may contaminate the clutch plate facing material, possibly causing shudder.
  15. The clutch plate in this kit does not contain any asbestos fibre in facing materials.