Viscous coupling ... (2 Viewers)

[Red Oktober]

Is it possible to un-seize a seized viscous coupling. ...
if it is ... how is it done??

 

[Tools R Us]

Snatch it out and place it in the 5.5 cents a pound bin.

 

[Red Oktober]

I'm assuming that means it's not worth fixing ?? ....

 

[inkpot]

Eggsacktly!!!

 

[Red Oktober]

Mr T for a new one then .... will make sure I'm sat down when I learn what it's gonna sting me

 

[Tools R Us]

There is no "fixing" it would be replacing, IIRC, dealer replacement is $$$. IMHO, the only thing they really do is an extravagant drive line slack/noise reducer. We have replaced one (with a used one) and taken out a bunch of "good" ones, the only practical difference is slightly more clunk in on/off throttle, etc. They were only used in the '93-'97, the early FJ80 and later 100 series didn't have them.

 

[Tools R Us]

This is what a burned up one looks like.

 

[Red Oktober]

right .... thanks .... will look out for a good used one ...

 

[CJF]

Tools is trying to tell you not to bother: Just pull it and run without it.

91-92's have the same t-case but with no VC, and it's a non-issue.

 

[scottryana]

Tools, I have not been in a TC. I am trying to visualize what happens when you pull it. Do you pull it out clean it all up so that there is no friction material and re-install? Is it solid lock up once you replace it, or is it just like an open diff vs a limited slip diff? Do you ever notice a traction difference once you pull the "good" ones?

 

[dallen341]

Just remove it. no need to do anything else. I believe it is a welded unit and as such nothing to do inside of the VC. Just remove it!

 

[Red Oktober]

Ahh well then if that's the case ....

Thanks guys .. very helpful

 

[Tools R Us]

Pretty simple job, pull the rear case off the transfer, the VC will be inside, remove the retaining snap-ring (pretty deep in a hole, kinda pain) dump the VC out. Clean the case surfaces, light coat of Ultra Gray RTV, torque it back together.

I say remove it, if for some reason you don't like the way it drives, can always get a replacement and install. I have a few good used ones, but likely not worth the swim across the pond?

 

[inkpot]

We'll, a dead VC would make a good boat anchor IN the pond! €:>}

 

[Red Oktober]

Cheers Tools ...

 

[Red Oktober]

Finally got around to removing this VC thingy ....

Was a lot easier than I gathered it might be. ..
truck feels a lot smoother to drive without it.

 

[CJF]

 

[CoffeeGeek]

Pretty simple job, pull the rear case off the transfer, the VC will be inside, remove the retaining snap-ring (pretty deep in a hole, kinda pain) dump the VC out. Clean the case surfaces, light coat of Ultra Gray RTV, torque it back together.

I say remove it, if for some reason you don't like the way it drives, can always get a replacement and install. I have a few good used ones, but likely not worth the swim across the pond?

Is the Viscous coupler essentially a rubber bushing between the front and rear drive line that dampens? Or is it more complicated? The photo in my eyes makes it appear as it is a rubber device that has failed. There is another thread right now where the OP is worried about installing different sized tires front and rear and causing damage to the coupler.

 

[Tools R Us]

It's a fluid coupling, steel plates with silicone fluid, works somewhat like the fan clutch with a lot more surface area.

 

[CoffeeGeek]

Thanks for the reply, now i can see that in the picture you posted! With open ceter diff when one wheel is on a patch of ice or slips you are going nowhere. With the fluid clutch it should transfer some power to the ohter side of the vehicle. The Hundys acomplished this by using the traction control system and no longer needed this type device. A working viscous coupler is a good thinig in slippery conditions(icey roads). Now how to determine if I still have one.