11. Loosen the clutch cover attaching bolts sequentially,
one turn at a time, until all spring pressure is relieved.
If bolts cannot be reached, use a flywheel turner to
rotate the flywheel until each bolt is accessible. Once
pressure is relieved, carefully remove the bolts and
the pressure plate assembly. Then, remove the clutch
disc and alignment tool from the flywheel.
Warning:The pressure plate assembly is fairly
heavy. Make sure you can support its weight
before removing the last bolt. If a clutch align-
ment tool has not been used, be aware that the clutch
disc could fall out as the attaching bolts are removed.
Also, if the clutch was slipping, it may be hot for a
long time after the vehicle is stopped. Be careful not
to burn yourself on a hot pressure plate or flywheel.
12. With the clutch removed, check the engine-to-trans-
mission mounting surface for cracks and foreign
material that would prevent proper engine-transmis-
sion mating. Also check the core (freeze) plugs at the
rear of the engine block for corrosion, leaks, and
proper installation. Check the rear seal for oil leaks
and damage. If dowel pins are used for engine and
clutch housing alignment, check them for burrs or
bending. If there are no dowel pins, ensure that they
have not been lost. Check the dowel pin holes for
elongation and burrs.
In many cases, this completes clutch removal. You
should inspect the pilot bearing and flywheel (outlined in
upcoming paragraphs) and determine if they must also be
removed.
Front-Engine, Front-Wheel Drive
The following procedure details the proper way to
remove the clutch from a front-engine, front-wheel drive
vehicle. Note that with a few exceptions, the general pro-
cedure, cautions, and warnings duplicate clutch removal
for front-engine, rear-wheel drive vehicles.
1. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Warning: Always disconnect the battery
ground cable before working near the
clutch. Otherwise, if the starter is acciden-
tally operated, you could be severely injured.
2. Raise the vehicle with an approved hoist or hydraulic
jack. If using a hydraulic jack, be sure to install good
quality jack stands under the vehicle frame before
getting under the vehicle.
Warning: Never work underneath a vehicle
supported only by a hydraulic jack. Always
support the vehicle with jack stands.
3. Once the vehicle is properly raised and supported,
remove the drive axles. There are several variations of
front drive axle attachment. On some vehicles, the
wheels and brake assembly, along with certain steer-
ing and suspension parts, must be removed to remove
Chapter 7 Clutch Problems, Troubleshooting, and Service 139
Front of
housing
Ball stud
Spring clip
Throwout bearing
Clutch
fork
Ball stud
Clutch
housing
Push
Pull
Figure 7-18. Clutch forks that pivot on a ball stud are usually
held in place by a spring clip. Remove the clutch fork by push-
ing the inner end forward and pulling on the outer end.
(DaimlerChrysler)
Punch marks
Flywheel
Clutch cover
Figure 7-19. To maintain the proper balance between the
reassembled flywheel and the pressure plate assembly, make
punch marks on both parts before disassembling. This is
necessary only if the pressure plate will be reused.