Clutch Pros — Question?

[Donne Trav]

The clutch in my '94 was just replaced. I picked the car up this evening. The first thing I noticed was how much "stiff" it was to depress the clutch pedal. Secondly, the pedal seems to travel closer to the floor before the gears engage. Also, car movement starts almost immediately after letting up on the pedal. I don't know if this is the way a new clutch is suppose to feel or what, but the old clutch was was just the opposite — a "softer/less stiff" clutch, didn't have to depress clutch that much to engage the gears and the pedal traveled further off the floor before the car started movement. Seems like I have to learn how to drive a stick
shift all-over again. There were times I could SMELL the clutch on the way home. Could someone please explain. Is this normal for a new clutch to behave in these fashions? Thankyou.

 

[LLC5]

If your old flywheel was used and resurfaced, then it is possible that they didn't machine the pressure plate mounting surface area to match the machined disc face area of the flywheel. This is strickly a guess as you didn't state what parts were replaced. Good luck with it.

 

[Donne Trav]

If your old flywheel was used and resurfaced, then it is possible that they didn't machine the pressure plate mounting surface area to match the machined disc face area of the flywheel. This is strickly a guess as you didn't state what parts were replaced. Good luck with it.

Just the clutch, bearing and plate.

 

[LLC5]

If your old flywheel was used and NOT resurfaced (make sure that they did not resurface the flywheel), then it could be that aftermarket parts were used and they could have different clearance spec's than OEM, or if OEM parts were used then possibly the clutch friction plate could be in backwards? Hard to say without having done the work myself. Your description of the problem is not common to any clutches that I have installed, but if aftermarket parts were used then possibly it could be considered normal. I would take it back to the installer, state your issues with the install, and get their opinion on the situtation as they are they really the only people who would know for sure. Good luck.

 

[G Winter]

If your old flywheel was used and NOT resurfaced (make sure that they did not resurface the flywheel), then it could be that aftermarket parts were used and they could have different clearance spec's than OEM, or if OEM parts were used then possibly the clutch friction plate could be in backwards? Hard to say without having done the work myself. Your description of the problem is not common to any clutches that I have installed, but if aftermarket parts were used then possibly it could be considered normal. I would take it back to the installer, state your issues with the install, and get their opinion on the situtation as they are they really the only people who would know for sure. Good luck.

If the clutch is the same as a 90 then I think the disk would catch on the flywheel bolts.
I installed new flywheel and clutch kit a couple yrs ago and my engagement is closer to the floor than the top of the travel. I am not so sure you have a problem as long as it isn't slipping.

Glenn

 

[LLC5]

If the clutch is the same as a 90 then I think the disk would catch on the flywheel bolts.
I installed new flywheel and clutch kit a couple yrs ago and my engagement is closer to the floor than the top of the travel. I am not so sure you have a problem as long as it isn't slipping.

Glenn

Could be normal, especially if aftermarket parts were used. The OP's original statement about being able to smell the clutch led me to believe that it was slipping, maybe it isn't.

 

[gmjunkie]

If the clutch is the same as a 90 then I think the disk would catch on the flywheel bolts.
I installed new flywheel and clutch kit a couple yrs ago and my engagement is closer to the floor than the top of the travel. I am not so sure you have a problem as long as it isn't slipping.

Glenn

Your "New" clutch disk is thicker than the worn one that came out,So it's gonna start engaging closer to the floor!!

PS. It's not uncommon to smell a little clutch for the first few miles till the Disc,Pressure Plate and Flywheel seats in!

 

[Donne Trav]

Replies

Thanks for the all the replies. Like I stated in my original post, "it's
like learning to drive a stick shift all-over again". As far as smelling the clutch on the initial drive home, I'm sure it was due to "operator error". Your replies suggest that this is probably a normal feel for an assembly of after-market parts. I've been getting use to the new
set-up and there's no more burning smell. Everything seems to be
creeping back to the norm. Thanks All