Winter Project - Replace the clutch.

roccaas

roccaas

Well-known member
If the weather ever gets cool, and when my 2nd pair of hands gets home from out West, I'm thinking that the clutch is getting worn and needs replacing.

Some slipping, some chattering, I've had the car 7 years and never even adjusted the clutch, so no telling how old it is.

I'll read up in "The Book of Andrews" on pulling the back axle, etc.

Any words of wisdom before tackling this job? Any other parts to replace while I'm down there? Am I crazy and should send this thing up to Bentleys?
 
How much freeplay do you have?

My car was a real paint shaker until I replaced the disc with a new one. At the same time I sanded the flywheel, dialed in the flywheel cover, and replaced the pressure plate with a good used one from a swap meet. Now my car is as smooth as an automatic. Since I replaced 2 parts and did two other fixes at the same time, I'm not sure what the original cause of the shakes was.
 
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I can push the clutch pedal 2 inches before it de-clutches the transmission. I double clutch everything, and the pedal is very smooth, but I'm not sure exactly HOW it is supposed to feel since the car has been this way since I bought it in 2005.

I am getting more bucking and vibration at low speed, such that at parking lot speed I have to retard the spark fully or I get the galloping horse effect which is embarrassing as everybody in the area is looking at the car. I'm a better driver than that, but it makes me look like I've never run a 3 speed.

I'm thinking the clutch and/or pressure plate are just worn down and not working the way they should if the parts were up to snuff.
 
It sounds like you have a problem other than the clutch.. Seems like you're describing an engine operation issue..
You mentioned the clutch linkage operates smoothly with 2" of free-play.. That should be OK,, I prefer too much free-play over too little.. How does the clutch act when you engage it ?? Is it smooth or does it chatter ??
You mentioned that the clutch slips.. When does it slip ?? Does it slip when engaging it in 1st or when accelerating in 3rd gear ??
 
Patrick L. said:
It sounds like you have a problem other than the clutch.. Seems like you're describing an engine operation issue..
You mentioned the clutch linkage operates smoothly with 2" of free-play.. That should be OK,, I prefer too much free-play over too little.. How does the clutch act when you engage it ?? Is it smooth or does it chatter ??
You mentioned that the clutch slips.. When does it slip ?? Does it slip when engaging it in 1st or when accelerating in 3rd gear ??
Click to expand...

It's very flat here, but when I pull a "hill" (HA!) I can feel a little slipping in the drivetrain. Almost like the tires lose traction for 1/2 a second with no squealing, just a disconnection of the drivetrain. Thinking that like a worn set of brake pads, the clutch material is worn down, or not mating as well with the pressure plate.
 
Well, OK.. If you decide to change the clutch I have a couple suggestions.. I only mention this because this is quite a job and I'm not trying to tell what to do..I find it easier to pull the rear end rather than the engine.. I'd suggest dial checking the flywheel and flywheel housing and correcting anything needed..If replacing the pressure plate I'd suggest removing the flywheel[after marking] and stick it on the bench.. Install the clutch and adjust the fingers.. Check a diagram to make sure everything is there and where it should be,, like the flywheel dowel cover and u-joint inner cover, etc.. Its a lot of time to have to pull this monster apart agin..
 
clutch? quick & easy when necessary. Alice & I replaced one in our Town Sedan at the repair tent during this summer's MAFCA national meet. engine out in 2 hours, new clutch disc and engine back in & on the road in 4.5 hours the next day......
 
Before I replaced it, try ADJUSTING it. Also sounds as if there's more going on there than a slipping clutch. Fuel and/or electrical. JMO
Paul in CT
 
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