Changing clutch

[Beanhead]

Originally posted by Just me
Thanks. I forgot to mention that I've had the car 10 years with the original clutch and all the mods were put on around 4 years ago. Before the mods all was fine but 2 years ago I started to have chatter so I replaced the original clutch and pressure plate. At that time I didn't see the seal leaking but still had the chatter even after changing the clutch. For the past 2 years I haven't changed the clutch again cause I work from home so the chatter isn't a big bother, but if I want to go to the track which is a ways away, the chatter will act up right on cue in the sportsman's lanes. I've tried to let out the clutch and work the gas pedal many different ways. Th whole car shakes when I let out the clutch slowly and revup the gas. The only way it won't chatter is if I launch from light to light which has been great practice but guys in mini vans fly by thinking they're beating me cause I'll launch at almost half throttle then let off the throttle to engage in normal driving. Also having short gears with a loud exhaust doesn't help. lol. Oh well, I get a kick out of it. Those guys lol. Anyway, sorry for babbling. I'm going to start this week and look for that seal tool and pilot bearing puller. Oh what about the pressure plate? Should I replace that? Thank you so much.

Yes, replace the pressure plate.

Here's what you should replace while you're "in there":

Clutch disc
Pressure Plate
Throwout Bearing
Pilot Bearing
Rear Main Oil Seal

Given the age of the flywheel, personally, I'd get a new one, but you might be able to get away with having it re-surfaced.

***when putting the 6 flywheel bolts back on, put "red" sealant on the threads to make sure you get no oil leaks through the bolts***

Oh yeah, good time to change the tranny fluid too.

Check out SPEC clutches. I've got a STAGE 1 on my Cobra, for just under $200, I got the pressure plate, clutch disc, and throwout bearing...

Good luck!

PS

See if you can get/borrow the pilot bearing puller made by Snap-On. I will tell you right now, that if its never been changed, it will likely be a ***** to remove. Packing it with grease and inserting a dowel will NOT work. Mine was in so tight, that I actually broke the puller tool I borrowed from Autozone. You need a puller with "legs" that will set on the flywheel and pull the bearing up and out as you turn it.

Heed my words, I spent a good 3 hours wrestling with that thing, and it wasn't until the local Ford Motorsport dealer loaned me the Snap On puller that I was able to get it out.

And like I mentioned before, the other mistake I made was not getting the rear oil seal in "perfectly". It sure as heck looked perfect after I put it in, but it wasn't.