Do I need a new clutch or is it my cable/linkage

[bigdoggee]

Hello all…

I have 1993 MTX with approximately 145K miles on it. I’d say the issue with my clutch started about a couple of weeks ago when I first noticed that clutch started to grab a little higher. A couple of days ago while I was driving home from work, on several occasions, I had to force the shifter into gear. In other works it didn’t go in smoothly, I really had to push. The next day, I when I attempted to drive to work, I’d be driving on the road and depress the clutch and no matter how hard I pressed the clutch or the shifter it would not go into gear. Or once it finally went into gear, I’d press the clutch in and it would not disengage out of the gear it was in. Once I stopped the car and turned if off I would be able to put it into gear and then restart and then the clutch would work for a few shifts and then stop working again.

Now, does this sound like I need a new clutch or could it be a cable problem? If it is a cable problem, how can I check/test it.

Thanks,
Big

 

[Bizzy]

Sounds like a pressure plate or TOB issue to me. (More like pressure plate)

 

[bigdoggee]

Bizzy,

How much does a pressure plate cost and is it difficulte to do? And.. if I have to change it should I be doing anything else.

Thanks...

 

[Bizzy]

bigdoggee:
Bizzy,

How much does a pressure plate cost and is it difficulte to do? And.. if I have to change it should I be doing anything else.

Pressure plates vary in cost. If I was doing the job I'd replace the whole clutch disk as well as the plate and TOB while I was at it.

In order to replace them you have to drop the transmission which requires supporting the motor, dropping the starter, y-pipe, subframe, etc. All of the above is much easier done while using a lift rather than on your back.

As for clutch kits, check SHO Nut Performance under the "Clutch" section for the parts that you'll require to do the job. Always feel free to ask more questions here on the how's, but Josh also has a video on that as well.

If you decide to buy a clutch kit locally, the stock kit is made by Valeo and is more than sufficient for normal to light weight racing use and is reasonable in cost as well.

Edit: I see you're in MA. If you need help with the job get in touch with Fred Hurder as he has a shop in MA. One of the few I'd allow to touch my car just for the record. wink

<small>[ December 06, 2003, 11:55 AM: Message edited by: Bizzy ]</small>

 

[autobahnsho]

The clutch job sucks.

You can also try pulling UP on the clutch pedal to make sure that the auto tensioner has got it right. There are instructions in the owner's manual that say it should be done every xx thousand miles.

I had the same EXACT problems- I'd start the car, drive it, and it would be good for a few shifts but after a few miles it would gradually stop letting me shift into gear.

The TOB had worn out, so it chewed into the fingers on the pressure plate. This means it couldn't move the disc all the way away from the flywheel.

You can see pics from my job at photoisland.com, username "autobahnsho", password "sho". On each picture there's a link on the left to show it in the original size.

Also- you can change the rear main seal and carrier gasket, I'd invest in new studs/nuts for the Y-pipe, you might need a "donut" gasket from the y-pipe to the catback on the exhaust. I'd recommend buying some bailing wire, gasket maker, anti-seize, and loctite, they're all pretty much necessary.

I'd SUPER recommend the video from Shonut if you plan on doing it, and he also has most of the parts.

ps- the clutch kit via Autozone is under $300, comes with disc, pressure plate, and crappy TOB. You can also order each part individually from them and get the GOOD TOB from shonut.

User sdpatt has good plans for a homemade engine lift to do the clutch job.
Good luck, let me (or others) know if you have questions!

 

[91taurisho]

When I changed clutches and transmissions I just used a 3-ton floor jack and a block of wood underneath my oil pan to spread out the weight sufficiently. I used another jack setup the same way to support the transmission. It worked well IMHO.

 

[bigdoggee]

Prices:

The following are the prices from various sources:

Autozone: $250.00 (Cumberland)
Pep Boys: $259.99 (LUC)
ClutchPlace.com: 173.73 (Remanufac)

these are the cheapest prices that I have come across. Does anyone know of any other place to try? Also, does anyone know anything about clutchplace.com's remanfac clutch and is it worth buying?

Thanks,

 

[SonicRiot]

soryy if I'm backtraking or way out in space, but did you try to adjust it first? I had a problem with the clutch not disengaing too....felt like it wasn't long enough. This worked for me:

1. With car off, clutch in, put in 1st gear.
2. Let up on clutch while still in first.
3. Gently pull up clutch with top of foot until it can't go any further.
4. With still in first, gently and slowly push clutch to floor. You should hear or feel a click. This means it has been adjusted.

 

[SHO--ripper]

91 tauri that's how i do clutches.
Try to adjust before you tear it apart. Sounds like your TOB/pp needs to be replaced. I personally wouldn't buy a reman.

 

[91taurisho]

SHO--ripper:
91 tauri that's how i do clutches.
Try to adjust before you tear it apart. Sounds like your TOB/pp needs to be replaced. I personally wouldn't buy a reman.

Finally someone that does it like me! I kind of get wierd looks when I tell people that I do it that way. They always seem to ask if it's a tranny jack, and every time I tell them "No it's just a regular 3-ton floor jack."

 

[HondaKiller93]

SHO--ripper:
91 tauri that's how i do clutches.
Try to adjust before you tear it apart. Sounds like your TOB/pp needs to be replaced. I personally wouldn't buy a reman.

i replaced my first clutch around 15K ago with a ford clutch, everything went well besides the fact the clutch lasted me 13K miles and i drove it nicely, i drove it nice, i think i had a defective clutch or some sort of related issue to that. i have 2 on the new 8 lb flywheel and southbend clutch. id reccomend aftermarket to you, just by my experience. good luck though