BITs January 2017 SR

CLUTCH CLINIC

CLUTCH FITMENT • TOP 10 TIPS

1. DO NOT use copper grease on any part of the clutch system. Use a high boiling point MOLY or LITHIUM based grease (e.g. CERA-TEC brake grease, which boils at 1000ºC). Copper Slip evaporates at 400ºC and leaves residue that will inhibit movement rather than lubricate. 2. USE CORRECT GREASE SPARINGLY. Apply only a small bead of spline grease, work it into the spline with a small brush and remove excess with a wipe, leaving a thin coating in the spline. 3. ALWAYS use the correct tools. Failure to do so can result in damage to the cover assembly and Flywheel. The SAC fitting tool is recommended when replacing a Self-Adjusting Clutch cover. 4. DO NOT take a risk with Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) replacement, change it every time. The DMF is an integral part of a modern clutch system, leaving an old DMF in place and fitting just the new clutch assembly is asking for trouble. 5. ALWAYS replace the Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC). It is false economy to leave the old CSC in situ when replacing the clutch, it has covered every single engine revolution throughout the life of the clutch.

6. ENSURE the area where the CSC is positioned is clean and debris free. Clean the mounting surface thoroughly, locate the CSC squarely onto a clean gearbox case and ensure any rubber face seal or sealant is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 7. DO NOT pressure wash any parts of the clutch assembly, especially the DMF. 8. DO NOT use mole grips or small pliers as hydraulic pipe clamps, use the correct clamping tool (VS0558). Failure to use the correct tool can damage hydraulic pipes, leading to clutch actuation problems due to fluid return problems. 9. ALWAYS check that all gearbox locating dowels/ sleeves/pins are present. Missing dowels will put excessive force on the gearbox, causing it to vibrate around the bolts, wearing clutch splines and drive plate centre hub splines excessively. Missing dowels on vehicles fitted with the Pull Type clutch units can cause premature release bearing failure. 10. TAKE CARE when bleeding the clutch system. Gravity or low pressure bleeding is the correct method. Manual bleeding (using the clutch pedal) is not recommended as the pressure required to depress the cover diaphragm fingers is extremely high; any attempt to use high pressure will only compress air, not remove it.

Vertical Transmission Jack 0.5 Ton MasterPro £99 .95 538 77 0601 Vertical Transmission Jack 1.5 Ton MasterPro £159 .95 538 77 3860

SAC Clutch & Re-setting tool LUK £299 .95 528 77 0420

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