the axles. On other vehicles, the drive axles can be
removed without removing these parts. (This is
covered in detail in Chapter 15.)
Warning: If the vehicle has been operated
recently, the engine and exhaust system
will be hot. Always be careful when work-
ing on a hot engine.
4. Disconnect the pushrod or cable and return spring
connected to the clutch fork.
5. Remove the transaxle. (This is covered in detail in
Chapter 11.) On many vehicles, the transaxle and
clutch housings are a single unit, Figure 7-20. If this is
the case, the complete unit is removed from the
engine. On vehicles requiring the engine also be
removed for clutch replacement, refer to the manu-
facturer’s service manual.
Note that the transmission input shaft and front bearing
retainer will be removed along with the transaxle. In addi-
tion, the clutch fork and throwout bearing assembly will
be removed with the one-piece, or integral-type, casting.
Warning: Support the engine with an
engine holding fixture when removing the
transaxle. This will keep the engine from
dropping as you remove the transaxle and will
protect the motor mounts.
Also, use a transmission jack to support the transaxle.
Never let the transaxle hang unsupported once
attaching bolts connecting the transaxle and clutch
housings are removed. This action can cause damage
to the clutch disc splines or transmission input shaft.
Make sure, for this and other safety reasons, that you
support the transaxle at all times. If a transaxle were
to fall, it could cause injury or damage.
From here, the clutch removal procedure duplicates
that for front-engine, rear-wheel drive vehicles. To com-
plete clutch removal, continue with step 6 of that section.
Clutch Parts Inspection and Repair
With the clutch removed, each component must be
carefully inspected for wear and damage. Be sure all parts
are clean before inspection. Clean the flywheel face and
pressure plate with a nonpetroleum-based cleaner. Do not
wash the throwout bearing in any kind of solvent. Do not
get grease on the clutch disc facings.
Look for any signs of damage or wear, no matter how
slight. After the defect is identified, the concerned part(s)
may be repaired or replaced. Service procedures for the var-
ious related parts of the clutch are the focus of this section.
Pilot Bearing Service
A worn pilot bearing will allow the transmission input
shaft and clutch disc to wobble. This can cause clutch
vibration, a noisy clutch, and damage to the transmission.
Pilot bearings are relatively cheap, and they are easy to
change while the clutch is being serviced.
Bearing inspection
The clutch pilot bearing is not serviced until the
clutch is removed. The bearing is often worn out by then.
The pilot bearing should be inspected for excessive wear
140 Manual Drive Trains and Axles
Engine
Flywheel
Friction disc
Pressure plate
assembly
Clutch release bearing
Transaxle with
integral clutch
housing
Figure 7-20. The clutch housing and transaxle case are usually combined into a single casting. (General Motors)