CLUTCH PLATES & SPRINGS

Clutch plates and springs
Check clutch friction, drive plates and springs.

A.       Check for burned or bent drive plates by stacking the plates like "pancakes." Holding them horizontally up to the light, check for gaps. Plates can also be checked with a straight edge or surface plate. Replace bad plates.

B.       If all drive plates are flat, glass bead blast them before installing the new friction plates. You can also "rough" up the surface with a fine emery or sand paper. Never bead blast friction plates.

C.      Measure the clutch pack for stack height by measuring all friction and drive plates in one total stack. This measurement should meet manufacturer specs and any replacements should conform to this stack height.

D.      Friction plates are simple to check out. If they are burned, glazed, grooved, oil soaked (dry type), gummed up, measuring too thick or too thin, or have no oil grooves on friction surface (wet type) - replace them.

E.       Springs - You can go with heavy duty springs or you can check to make sure yours are in good shape. To do this, measure the height of the spring. If it is less than the service manual calls for, replace it. (See note.)

NOTE: Heavy duty replacement springs may vary from manufacturer specs in size and length, but should work at manufacturers suggested adjustment. Also, spring setting will vary when using aluminum pressure plates/spring retainers.