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Clutch Problems, Need Diagnosis Help

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Old Apr 14, 2005 | 08:53 PM
  #1  
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I had clutch problems a while back with the clutch pedal going all the way to the floor and not coming back up. Replaced the slave cylinder which didn't solve the problem so I then replaced the master. Problem solved.



Today, without warning, the car decided it would not shift or go into gear with the car running. Clutch pedal felt completely normal.



With the car running and the clutch pushed in, there's lots of clattering. I'm using an Exedy Hyper Pro single.



With the car off, I jacked it up, removed the inspection plate, and took a gander. I had suspected a snapped clutch fork. It looks to be intact.



Next, I had a friend push the clutch in while I was watching. The fork moved and it looked like the clutch disengaged slightly, but not as much as I thought it would.



I inspected the clutch slave and master cylinder for external leaks. Again, I have full hydraulic pressure with no bleed down. I am assuming an air bubble would eventually make the clutch pedal go soft.



I cannot shift into gear at all while the car is running. I can turn the car off, put the gear selector in first, start the car and the car will lurch forward and eventually start as the starter motor moves the car along. Naturally, this makes the car absolutely useless.



Anyway, advice as to what this could be would be greatly appreciated. The clutch has less than 5,000 miles on it. I'm really hoping it's the throwout bearing and not the pressure plate.



I just installed a brand new GT4088 and $7K engine...to say the least it's really frustrating!
Old Apr 14, 2005 | 09:33 PM
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a blown pilot can cause this, the input shaft cannot move independently from the motor causing it to not shift and such.



Prolly going to have to pull the trans out...
Old Apr 14, 2005 | 09:36 PM
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Fantastic....I think by the time I have all the bugs worked out ofthe car, I'll have to have both of my arms replaced. Thanks for the "input" :-) I appreciate the help. It should be a fun weekend.

Michel
Old Apr 14, 2005 | 09:39 PM
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I also checked the clutch disengagement again and it's definitely disengaging. I can "rattle" the clutch disk back and forth. Must have damaged the pilot bearing putting the engine in sigh...
Old Apr 15, 2005 | 09:18 AM
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Well something like that happened to me on my 8. The clutch disc exploded(hub part). So only switched gears when you had it in gear and then started it. But also it would lunge forward. So if yours does not have symptoms like this I fear it may be serious.
Old Apr 15, 2005 | 10:42 AM
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how did you put your engine in? did you try to put the clutch disc on the engine and bolt the pressure plate on before you actually put the engine to the tranni? Just wondering.
Old Apr 15, 2005 | 12:02 PM
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I examined the clutch disk through the clutch inspection port and the disk itself is intact.



As for the installation, slid the clutch onto the input shaft along with the disk (in the right direction!) and installed the engine. I then tightened the pressure plate up through the clutch inspection port, rotating the engine with a socket on the front main pulley bolt.



Picked up a throwout and pilot bearing today (apparently it could be either) and will begin disassembly soon. I'll be throwing on an xcessive cast aluminum oil pan while I'm down there.
Old Apr 15, 2005 | 12:10 PM
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gotta agree with Booby on this one... definately sounds like the pilot bearing.
Old Apr 15, 2005 | 01:55 PM
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[quote name='rfreeman27' date='Apr 14 2005, 09:33 PM']a blown pilot can cause this, the input shaft cannot move independently from the motor causing it to not shift and such.



Prolly going to have to pull the trans out...

[snapback]699911[/snapback]

[/quote]



Yup you nailed it. I had the same problem. The pilot bearing shreaded and all the inner race and needles got destroyed and jammed the input shaft from advancing. When I pulled the tranny all that was left of the pilot bearing was metal shavings, random needles from the bearing, and the outer casing of the bearing.
Old Apr 17, 2005 | 06:25 PM
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also another note:



When you get this fixed, make sure that u adjust the clutch pedal's fulcrum point after installing an aftermarket clutch and pressure plate.. it is in the instructions to do so, so that you are not causing any undo wear to the parts.



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