Schaeffler Group USA Inc.

Outside the Bell Housing

Clutch component service life is not infinite and each must function properly to ensure the full service life of the clutch and disc. Problems with these components will often sound and feel like a clutch problem, when in fact, the clutch is fine. Before removing the bell housing, check and replace worn or damaged clutch system components; it's inexpensive insurance against comebacks. Always examine and replace these parts if worn or damaged:

• Flywheel
• Slave and Master Cylinder
• Cable
• Linkage
• Bearing Retainer
• Cross Shaft Bushings
• Fork Pivot

Clutch wear and free-play adjustment

As disc friction material wears, the pressure plate moves closer to the flywheel, and the diaphragm spring fingers pivot outward toward the transmission. This causes a gradual decrease in the distance between the release bearing and the diaphragm fingers. Due to this normal wear in the clutch system, release systems that provide for external free-play adjustment must be checked periodically.

• Vehicles with external adjustment: always check and adjust the free-play
• Hydraulic release and self-adjusting cable systems: these systems use constant contact release bearings and require zero free-play. Excessive free-play causes incomplete release; insufficient free-play causes slipping.

Mechanical Linkages

• Check all pivot points to ensure they are clean and properly lubricated