Hello all,
Back in November I posted up asking for suggestions on how to solve a non-releasing clutch that I had just installed in my FJ40 with a SM465 transmission.
I had replaced a working 12" LUK clutch with the same identical type and could not understand what the problem was.
I originally suspected that there wasn't enough travel on the clutch fork, but even after replacing the Master Clutch Cylinder with a Brake Master Cylinder there was no improvement in the release(there was improved travel in the fork though). So it was time to ask for help!
Suggestions offered here on this board were that the disc was installed in backwards or perhaps the clutch springs were hitting the flywheel mounting bolts because of a worn flywheel. I finally sucked it up and did pull everything apart. The disc was correct, but the flywheel bolts and the springs on the clutch disc were scratched--great, I've found the problem I thought.
I took the flywheel to a machine shop and it was worn but only by .060(1/16"). The machinist said that the flywheel was not the problem. I took the flywheel to another shop and the second shop concurred with the first. In fact he said that in 20 years that he had never seen that problem before.
After a lot of hemming and hawing, I decided to ditch the LUK clutch system and reluctantly purchased the Centerforce system AND just to be safe a new flywheel. Well, its all back together and it seems to be working ok. I can't say that its the better than other clutches that I've had over the years, but certainly seems to be functional.
I don't know if the solution was the different clutch parts, the new flywheel or some combination of the two. For the total expense involved, I just hope that it lasts for quite a while.
If anyone wants to try a 12" LUK clutch, I can make you a very good deal. BTW the new 4WheelParts store here in Tucson, had the best price on the Centerforce Clutch and were very friendly and helpful.
Back in November I posted up asking for suggestions on how to solve a non-releasing clutch that I had just installed in my FJ40 with a SM465 transmission.
I had replaced a working 12" LUK clutch with the same identical type and could not understand what the problem was.
I originally suspected that there wasn't enough travel on the clutch fork, but even after replacing the Master Clutch Cylinder with a Brake Master Cylinder there was no improvement in the release(there was improved travel in the fork though). So it was time to ask for help!
Suggestions offered here on this board were that the disc was installed in backwards or perhaps the clutch springs were hitting the flywheel mounting bolts because of a worn flywheel. I finally sucked it up and did pull everything apart. The disc was correct, but the flywheel bolts and the springs on the clutch disc were scratched--great, I've found the problem I thought.
I took the flywheel to a machine shop and it was worn but only by .060(1/16"). The machinist said that the flywheel was not the problem. I took the flywheel to another shop and the second shop concurred with the first. In fact he said that in 20 years that he had never seen that problem before.
After a lot of hemming and hawing, I decided to ditch the LUK clutch system and reluctantly purchased the Centerforce system AND just to be safe a new flywheel. Well, its all back together and it seems to be working ok. I can't say that its the better than other clutches that I've had over the years, but certainly seems to be functional.
I don't know if the solution was the different clutch parts, the new flywheel or some combination of the two. For the total expense involved, I just hope that it lasts for quite a while.
If anyone wants to try a 12" LUK clutch, I can make you a very good deal. BTW the new 4WheelParts store here in Tucson, had the best price on the Centerforce Clutch and were very friendly and helpful.
