Replace TOB or do clutch job

[Mike Stitzer]

I just had my clutch cable replaced on my 95 sho mtx and it still has that gritty clutch feel and a notchy shifter feel. Some others on the forum thought it was the TOB. Is it worth just replacing the TOB without the clutch being replaced? The clutch is only 1 and 1/2 years old. It doesn't seem to be slipping, but it's getting hard to shift, feels like it's not totally disengaging while shifting. Should I just go for the clutch job. I'd hate to replace the TOB and then see no improvement and then have to get a clutch anyway.

Mike

 

[TimZ]

Originally posted by Mike Stitzer:
Is it worth just replacing the TOB without the clutch being replaced? Mike

I just went through this not too long ago, and the problem was definitely the throw out bearing. The problem is the aluminum quill shaft that the TOB rides on. It gets galled, and then it's impossible for the TOB to move smoothly over it. A new stock TOB will most likely behave the same way.

I would highly recommend the 'Grizzy Paw' TOB - it has a slighly oversized ID, and it rides on a steel sleeve that you press on over the aluminum shaft. I have been using this piece for a couple of years, now, and the clutch disengages and engages perfectly.

As far as whether you should replace the clutch - I guess that's your call and it depends somewhat on whether you plan on keep the car for a while, but I'd kind of hate to not replace it, considering what a huge pain it is to pull the trans and get to it.