clutch problems

[rktmn]

In the last couple of months, my clutch has started to act weird. It began chattering in first gear, and the engagement moved further up the pedal travel. I tried messing with the adjustment, and even made a spacer at the fork, but the problems have persisted.

At the bottom of the pedal travel, just before it hits the firewall, the is a "boing" at the other side of the firewall. I suspect that it must be the pressure plate springs or the throwout bearing.

First I am going to change the cable and the clutch pedal, since it is the easiest thing to do, but I am sure that eventually I will have to pull the clutch out.

I have a Spec level 2 kevlar clutch and a Fidanza flywheel with only 35,000 miles on it, and I never drive brutally hard. I would say that I drive spiritedly.

Anyway, I guess that I will have to pull out the clutch eventually. However, I am considering pulling the engine rather than dropping the transmission. I beleive that this would be easier. I have an engine hoist, so all I have to do is remove all the accessories, radiator, hoses and electrical connections to pull the engine out the top.

Once the engine is out, I can replace all the seals, clean the engine up, clean the engine compartment, replace the clutch, replace the hoses, etc., etc.

I was very happy with the Spec clutch, but maybe I should I look at another brand? Any suggestions???

Dropping the tansmission, removing the axles, dropping the subframe, holding the engine in place with some kind of brace, removing and installing the clutch in the engine bay, etc... seems like a PITA.

Jose

 

[pitaSHO]

Pulling the engine to do a clutch job is rather excessive. I've seen a friend of mine do 13 or so clutch jobs the other way, by supporting the engine from the top. Up to you, but pulling the engine sounds like a PITA way to do a clutch.... I have the Fidanza/SPEC II combo, too, and I love it. Make sure the pressure plate mounts flush to the flywheel, tho. If it doesn't the pegs might need to be shaved a little.

Chris K.

 

[cRaZySHO.]

I had a Fidanza on my old 95, with the SHO Nut Fibertuff clutch, IIRC.

After 8,000 miles, with A LOT of spirited driving I had to pull the trans back out due to a loose/warped steel insert on the flywheel. The shop that installed my clutch and flywheel combo didnt check the bolts on the insert, and def didnt send the wheel out for cutting/checking for flatness. Chattered hard, funky pedal feel.

Ended up on my back in my driveway for a weekend and gave the new insert and wheel to my friend/machinist for mounting and checking it out overall.

Sounds very simialr to your condition.

 

[rktmn]

I don't know.

I guess that I could support the engine with the hoist, and drop the subframe and the tranny.