Clutch Replacement

[richard]

Yesterday, while driving my A2, I was no longer able to shift. It came very sudden and no gear was selectable from neutral position. Only stopping the jeep, stopping the engine, selecting the desired gear, starting the engine, releasing the clutch pedal brought me home. I suggest it is time to replace the disk.

I found a little bit in the TM -34 but nothing which helps me to make a decision. Is it possible to replace the disk by just disassembling the parts connected to the gear box and pulling itself? Or do I have to pull the complete power pack?

While I must replace it, would it be a good advice to replace the pressure plate and the two bearings, too? Just for writing my order.

Thanks in advance.

[Fil Bonica]

Pull the clutch cver and take a look at the clutch
You may or may not see anything
There is no easy way tochange the clutch without pulling the engine
Sounds like its time to pull the powerpack.
If I were you a complete change is in order not just individual parts
In the states a clutch kit is around $ 125.00
Also consider refinishing flywheel if necessary
Hope this helps.

Fil Bonica

[m75]

Actually, pulling the power pack from the M151 is a straight-forward process that can be accomplished in a short time. Be careful though, as it may inspire you to want to do even more than the clutch replacement!!

[m3a1]

And don't forget to order up whatever parts you'll need to do the re-install.

[richard]

Thanks a lot for your advice. I started to disassemble everything in the engine bay as shown in the US Army video. On Tuesday I will pull the power pack and see what I need.

[199th mp]

when i did this job, i decided it would be a good time to replace the rear engine main seal, and the pan gasket. they weren't very expensive, and almost everything was already apart anyway. i used the fiber style disc, and got lucky with the flywheel, it didn't need refinishing. i replaced the pilot bearing and the throw out bearing as well. the pressure plate was still good.

[rickf]

Most people will do a complete kit, that being the disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, pilot bearing and flywheel finish. If you originally had the A2 puck style clutch then this is what I would recommend since those clutches tear up flywheels and pressure plates. If you had the fiber style disc and there are no burn marks on the flywheel or pressure plate then you "could" use the old parts as is but I would recommend a complete kit just so you are sure you don't have chatter and end up doing it again soon. The pilot bearing is always a good thing to replace while you are in there. Engine seals like the rear main are a personal call. I am of the old school train of thought and if it ain't broke don't f** with it! I realize that that goes against what I just aid about replacing the pilot bearing but that bearing takes a LOT of abuse.

[richard]

We pulled the power pack yesterday evening. Surprise, surprise.

Flywheel - good condition
Pressure plate - good condition (like new)
Clutch disc - good condition (like new)
Clutch release bearing - good condition
Pilot bearing - very good condition

Well, I will replace 'em all with the exception of the flywheel. The disc looks like sintered metal. Shall I use the same kind again?

Finally: Nothing in the clutch housing seems causing the problem.

But we found something which might cause the problem. Time for you to guess - I will post a picture later of what we found.

[rickf]

Throwout bearing hanging up on the guide of the transmission? As far as what disc to use it sounds like you have the puck type, does it have four pucks instead of a continuous fiber surface all the way around? If it does and the flywheel and pressure plate are in good condition then you are very good with clutch operation and I would say go with the same. You did go on the Alps tour last year didn't you? Slipping the clutch with that style disc will tear up a flywheel so you are very good with the clutch. Should have gave you a turn at the wheel of the Mustang when you were here.

[richard]

Hi Rick,

No, it isn't the throwout bearing. Next guess ....

Regarding the disc: That one which is actually in my M151 is going around, no pucks. That one I have laying around here is NOS and has also no pucks. But the material and the kind how it was rivited is totally different. Also the new disc has six springs (open) and the old one has five springs (encapsulated from one side).

I'll come back for riding the Mustang.

[Fil Bonica]

Look at the spring steel mount for the throw out bearing carrier.
Another guess!
Fil Bonica

[richard]

Hi Fil,

Good guess. But that is also not exactly causing the problem. You're closer than Rick.

[rickf]

Well, considering you are moving towards the clutch arm and the fact that it would not depress the clutch far enough and assuming you checked all of the external possibilities I would next say the pivot on the clutch arm broke.

[richard]

Rick, you're correct. The pivot on the clutch shaft broke.

[richard]

Hi Rick,

For a better understanding of what I have here, I just made some pictures for you.

On the left side is the new plate and disc, on the right side the old one:



The surface of the old disc:



The surface of the new disc: