S_Johnson

So, I just had my clutch replaced, my last one was all messed up, and broken.

The new clutch is a Kevlar clutch, which I was told is smooth, durable, etc...

Except it's not. If you slowly let out the clutch, the instant it even slightly grabs, the starts shaking and vibrating so bad the shifter bounces up and down. It's almost un-drivable it's so bad.

Here's all I know: My pilot bushing had worn away, but was replaced with the clutch, and the flywheel was a bit burned, but the mechanic said it was "fine."

I'm pissed, because I think he just didn't want to take the extra time for me to take the flywheel to be resurfaced.

I'm afraid that I'm ruining the new (expensive!) clutch, by breaking it in with an uneven, messed up flywheel.

Formula 305

Ruining your new clutch on a messed up flywheel is a very real possibility. If the old clutch was 'broken' how could the flywheel be 'fine'...?

//<86TA>\\

iTrader: (14)

If the shifter moves up and down the trans mount may be broken or not bolted on.


never put a new clutch on a old flywheels without cleaning it up first. I would take otbback

S_Johnson

Yeah, I already checked that, the mount is fine.

Also, I tried to tell him this, and he just said "it's a performance clutch, it's supposed to be like that" and that it was "My decision to not turn the flywheel"

He didn't even ASK, he just did it. I'm not sure what I can do about it, if he's going to stick to his guns, call me a moron, and refuse to acknowledge that anything is wrong.

I've driven an un-sprung, ceramic, paddle clutch, that wasn't anywhere near this bad, so don't tell me it's "Supposed to be like that." I'm super pissed with this guy...

//<86TA>\\

iTrader: (14)

What exact clutch is it.
I have a zoom Kevlar clutch and its been a wonderful piece, nice and smooth and has held up well

S_Johnson

Yup, that's what I have, exactly.

and it's not even really usable...

//<86TA>\\

iTrader: (14)

You mechanic botched it, plain and simple.

//<86TA>\\

iTrader: (14)

How many miles have you put on it.

S_Johnson

Not many, I drove it to work twice, other than that, just a few little trips to try and figure out some tuning issues, and why it was being so freaking weird.

It's been pretty easy on the clutch, simply because you can't really LET it slip at all, it vibrates to bad, so you have to just almost stall the engine to get going.

If I take it apart myself, how do I tell if the new clutch is still ok? What if it isn't? It should be warrantied, but if the shop bought it... Not sure what my options are here.

Formula 305

Unfortunately if it was installed on an old flywheel the clutch manufacturer is most likely going to void the warranty if there is one at all. Clutches are wear items, like brake pads, & I'm not sure if it'll be covered at all.

Even if it is, they'll likely tell you in was installed incorrectly and that its not their fault. You're only recourse is probably legal action with the shop that put it in....

87v6Bird

iTrader: (1)

Curious. What crossmember are you using?

S_Johnson

I'm using the hawks "hump" crossmember, to route my exhaust through. I got under the car, and tried to jack up the transmission, to see if the crossmember (or tranny mount) were bad, but they were SOLID.

jmd

iTrader: (4)

To bed in a new clutch, you need a new surface on both the flywheel and the pressure plate.

You can guarantee the manufacturer recommends a new or newly-machined flywheel for installation of their new clutch.

It's that simple.

S_Johnson

So, I'm about to park my car at a friend's place and pull the transmission, and I just want to confirm something.

CAN having a non-resurfaced flywheel cause the behavior I'm talking about? Can it cause a Kevlar clutch that is supposed to be nice and smooth shudder and shake, and grab rough?

I don't want to pull it apart, fix this issue, and put it all back together only to have it not get any better, you know?

Formula 305

Smething in the bellhousing has go be the culprit, I'd bet your old flywheel is to blame but the only way to figure it out is to disassemble everything. Its not like a major ordeal, you can probably have the trans & bellhousing removed in an hour with hand tools & jackstands

S_Johnson

Wow, seriously? I found it to be a MUCH bigger deal both times I did it... That transmission is HEAVY. What do you use to move the transmission around? Does an actual transmission jack help with a T56?

Also, anyone have any advice on how to actually TELL if the new clutch is damaged?

jmd

iTrader: (4)

Take it to a place that re-lines truck brake and clutch parts for inspection. If you hated the kevlar, you could have them re-line the disc.

More than likely, putting a new surface on the flywheel & pressure plate and starting over will be all that's needed.

S_Johnson

Ok, question, the flywheel is new (part of the clutch kit)

Would I need to get it resurfaced even after only like, 60 miles?

Shouldn't that side be fine?

jmd

iTrader: (4)

It's fine if you want to start over with the exact same problem again.

You can do a half-*** job like your mechanic and smoke the disc or need resurfacing in under 60 miles. I've seen it a few times.

Go ask someone who deals with clutches every single day, so they can suggest something close what I already suggested.

//<86TA>\\

iTrader: (14)

I a bit confused now. First post you said the flywheel was burned, now your saying its new? Or do you mean the pressure plate is new?


you need to have the flywheel resurfaced and possibly replace the clutch disc since its probably been trashed by thus process

S_Johnson

Yeah, I'm a moron. I meant the pressure plate, sorry.

I've only put a few miles on it, gently. How do I tell if the clutch disk is ok? Just generically look at it? I can post pictures when I pull it I guess...