Clutch problem help please

[muddy12]

I was playing in a good deep bog yestreday, with lots of changing between forward & reverse gears to make slow but steady progress, when after one gear change, the clutch pedal went "soft" half way up the return stroke, and the clutch started slipping badly. I was able to recover using the PTO winch in 1st gear, so there was some grab in the clutch, but it started slipping when trying to put any power the wheels. I manage to drive home at about 40kph (25mph) with a few nervous spells on the odd gentle uphill stretch of road.

I thought it was probably just mud in the clutch housing, but I've removed the dust cover and it was reasonably clean, and I've given it a good wash out, and there's no improvement. It seems as if there's only a light pressure being applied to the clutch plate. Does this sound like a broken clutch springs?

I swapped in a H55F gearbox a couple of months ago & put in a new clutch plate & bearings. The clutch seemed fine.... I REALLY don't want to have to drop the gearbox again! Or is it easier to lift the motor?

BUGGER!

 

[splitshot]

Sounds like you need a new pressure plate.

It's easier to drop the trans if thats the case.

 

[BC Cruiser]

Sounds like you need a new pressure plate.

It's easier to drop the trans if thats the case.

Yup

 

[zuluzeugma]

Yep, probably broke a few PP springs if I had to guess...

 

[FF LC FREAK]

On the bright side, at least now you know why you shouldn't use the clutch when everything is under mud/water.

Good luck!

 

[Mace]

have you had someone step on teh clutch while you watch what is going on in there?

 

[muddy12]

The clutch slave cylinder is definitely working - with the clutch pedal pressed, I can spin the driven plate by hand, and it still has plenty of depth on the grooves, so it's not worn out. When the pedal is released, the pressure plate clamps up, but not enough to prevent slipping at even light throttle. I guess it must be the pressure plate needs replacement....

 

[Pin_Head]

It sounds like you got some mud contamination between the disk and the friction surfaces of the flywheel and pressure plate. Lengthen the adjuster rod to put max pressure on the TO bearing, start it up and have someone hold the clutch pedal down while you power wash the friction surfaces.

Don't ever step on the clutch in mud.

 

[muddy12]

Dropped the gearbox & found the clutch pressure plate completely jammed up with mud. Replaced the spigot bearing while I was in there since it's been a bit noisy. Tried the grease method suggested in other threads without success as it just popped the seal off the bearing & the grease came out through the rollers. Found that a bolt from the spring pack is just the right diameter to match the bearing though. Pulled it by inserting the bolt head and sliding it behind the bearing, then putting a length of angle ont he other end with nut and levering it out. Spent the whole day under the truck though. Certainly learned a lesson about getting in deep mud!