Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

General Information

CLUTCH COMPONENTS
The clutch mechanism consists of a single, dry-type disc and a diaphragm style clutch cover. A hydraulic linkage is used to operate the clutch release bearing and fork.
A needle-type pilot bearing in the crankshaft flange supports the transmission input shaft. A sleeve type release bearing is used to engage and disengage the clutch cover pressure plate.
The release bearing is operated by a release fork in the clutch housing. The fork pivots on a ball stud mounted in the housing. The release fork is actuated by a hydraulic slave cylinder mounted in the housing. The slave cylinder is operated by a clutch master cylinder mounted on the dash panel. The cylinder push rod is connected to the clutch pedal.
The clutch disc has cushion springs in the disc hub. The clutch disc facing is riveted to the hub. The facing is made from a non-asbestos material. The clutch cover pressure plate is a diaphragm type with a one-piece spring and multiple release fingers. The pressure plate release fingers are preset during manufacture and are not adjustable.

HYDRAULIC LINKAGE COMPONENTS
The hydraulic linkage consists of a clutch master cylinder with integral reservoir, a clutch slave cylinder and an interconnecting fluid line.
The clutch master cylinder push rod is connected to the clutch pedal. The slave cylinder push rod is connected to the clutch release fork. The master cylinder is mounted on the driver side of the dash panel adjacent to the brake master cylinder and booster assembly. This positioning is similar for both left and right hand drive models.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: EXERCISE CARE WHEN SERVICING CLUTCH COMPONENTS. FACTORY INSTALLED CLUTCH DISCS DO NOT CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS. DUST AND DIRT ON CLUTCH PARTS MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS FROM AFTERMARKET COMPONENTS. BREATHING EXCESSIVE CONCENTRATIONS OF THESE FIBERS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM. WEAR A RESPIRATOR DURING SERVICE AND NEVER CLEAN CLUTCH COMPONENTS WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR WITH A DRY BRUSH. EITHER CLEAN THE COMPONENTS WITH A WATER DAMPENED RAGS OR USE A VACUUM CLEANER SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR REMOVING ASBESTOS FIBERS AND DUST. DO NOT CREATE DUST BY SANDING A CLUTCH DISC. REPLACE THE DISC IF THE FRICTION MATERIAL IS DAMAGED OR CONTAMINATED. DISPOSE OF ALL DUST AND DIRT CONTAINING ASBESTOS FIBERS IN SEALED BAGS OR CONTAINERS. THIS WILL HELP MINIMIZE EXPOSURE TO YOURSELF AND TO OTHERS. FOLLOW ALL RECOMMENDED SAFETY PRACTICES PRESCRIBED BY THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY AGENCY (EPA), FOR THE HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING ASBESTOS.

CLUTCH HYDRAULIC FLUID
If inspection or diagnosis indicates additional fluid may be needed, it will be necessary to replace the complete hydraulic linkage assembly.

CLUTCH LUBRICATION
Proper clutch component lubrication is important to satisfactory operation. Using the correct lubricant and avoiding over lubrication are also equally important.
During service, apply recommended lubricant sparingly. Do not overlubricate as this could result in clutch disc and pressure plate contamination.
Clutch and transmission components requiring lubrication are:
- pilot bearing.
- release lever pivot ball stud.
- release lever pivot surfaces.
- release bearing bore.
- Clutch pedal pivot bore and bushings.
- transmission input shaft splines and pilot hub.
- release bearing slide surface of front bearing retainer.
- master cylinder bushing at the clutch pedal.
- Do not apply grease to any part of the clutch cover or disc.

Use MOPAR"R" multi-mileage grease or a silicone grease for the clutch pedal bushings and pivot shaft.
Use MOPAR"R" high temperature bearing grease or equivalent for the pilot bearing, release bearing bore, transmission input shaft and release fork components. Apply recommended amounts only and do not overlubricate.

INSTALLATION METHODS AND PARTS USAGE
Distortion of clutch components during installation and the use of non-standard components are common causes of clutch malfunction.
Improper clutch cover bolt tightening can distort the cover. The usual result is clutch grab, chatter and rapid wear.
An improperly seated flywheel and/or clutch housing are additional causes of clutch failure. Improper seating will produce misalignment and additional clutch problems.
The use of non-standard or low quality parts will also lead to problems and wear. Only use recommended factory parts.
A cocked pilot bearing is another cause of clutch noise, drag, hard shifting, and rapid bearing wear. Always use an alignment tool to install a new bearing. This practice helps avoid cocking the bearing during installation.