Clutch Job Talk

[55 Fargo]

Hey all, gotta do a clutch job on my truck. local clutch and flywheel shop charges $135.00 to rebuild pressure plate and disc. Getting the flywheel machined is an extra $30.00, and a pain in the butt for me to get out, while engine is in truck.

I have done a few of these clutch jobs before, is it always necessary to machine the flywheel, or depends on the flywheel surface, which I have no idea what it looks like now, until I have the clutch out. I would like to rebuild the trans too, but not sure what parts are available.

Whats the best practiice on this job...........thanx Fred

[Dave72dt]

Best practice is to machine the flywheel so you can take full advantage of the entire friction surface. Theoretically, the friction material will wear into any grooves as long as they're smooth, but like brake rotors and drums, it works better and last longer when the surface is true.

[55 Fargo]

Thanx Dave, did a clutch rod adjustment, this helped 100%, can prolong clutch for a while. The truck goes down my gravel road at 55 mph like nothing, and 60mph on the highway is not hard on her either. I do need to do the back brakes, mopar 8 1/4 diff 10 inch brakes......

[Rusty O'Toole]

If the flywheel is smooth there is nothing to be gained by taking it out. If it is grooved and chewed up it needs to be refaced. Or else your clutch plate will wear out prematurely.

A little wear or unevenness is nothing to worry about. You need to use your own judgement.

Another thing to watch out for is an overheated flywheel. If it is blued or gray looking and the surface is checked or cracked, replace the flywheel. It could break apart under stress some day. This is rare and only occurs when the clutch has been abused. It will be rather obvious when you see it like old paint that is cracked all over the place.

[Plymouthy Adams]

if you have no chatter or vibrations (feel pulsating in the cluth petal when operating) your flywheel is running true..(<.008 OFR) hardest thing on new discs is the presence of hot spots on the flywheel..you should machine if these are present along with the other mentioned surface imperfection..grinding the flywheel on a surface grinder is better than turning on the lathe

[55 Fargo]

if you have no chatter or vibrations (feel pulsating in the cluth petal when operating) your flywheel is running true..(<.008 OFR) hardest thing on new discs is the presence of hot spots on the flywheel..you should machine if these are present along with the other mentioned surface imperfection..grinding the flywheel on a surface grinder is better than turning on the lathe

Thanx Tim, no grabbing or chattering, just a worn clutch most likely......