Clutch replacement

[lamb125]

After 600miles of trouble-free driving across Cornwall 3 weeks back, the clutch decided to go right into the middle of Portsmouth city centre on Saturday. Intital problem was selecting gears, a terrible bump (called drag apparently - no sign of slippage incidently) between 1st and 2nd when changing, followed being stuck in gear altogether. Managed to limp to a quiet spot on the sea front and call the AA. Responce time was less than 10mins, the AA man was even an ex-T25 owner so knew what to check for, and confirmed my intial worst fears.

The vans home anyway and safely on the driveway so my intention is to tackle the job myself.

Any hidden, or un-welcome surprises involved can anyone tell me? Thanks.

[Titus A Duxass]

Try searching the Wiki - I found this in less than 30 seconds https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ge ... the_clutch

[Aidan]

if stuck in gear with the engine off then something may be wrong with the box

[lamb125]

That did cross my mine actually. I was puzzled by no sign of slippage, but the AA chap reckons that 'dragging' is equally as charactoristic as a sign of the clutch being worn. I'm praying it is just the clutch as a gearbox is going to put me off the road for months!

[Aidan]

could be spigot bearing failed - fit a new one anyway while doing the clutch

[lamb125]

Is the spigot bearing easily accessed when the clutch is off the gearbox?

Cheers

[Ian Hulley]

http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/shop?page=s ... ory_id=123

The spigot bearing is in the end of the crankshaft and some can be changed with the flywheel still on ... others can't.

Ian

[lamb125]

After a 4hr ish battle I finally managed to get the gearbox off and inspect the clutch. Found lots of tiny needle roller bearings! I guess these are the remains of a spigot bearing? The clutch plates have an burned 'electrical' smell about them. Lots of friction material left, but very polished and dark in colour. Does this point towards a burned out clutch? Before I commenced with the 'op' this morning I had to get the van off a gravel surface onto a hardstanding which meant starting in gear and limping it into position and I just couldnt select anything with the engine idling. Yes, who ever said the gearbox is heavy wasn't wrong!

[Oldiebut goodie]

Well, at least you have got half of the spigot bearing out!

[California Dreamin]

Pictures might help but at this stage replacing 'the 3 part clutch' is a given, irrespective..It also sounds like the spigot shaft bearing (needle roller bearing) has collapsed and could be the 'main fault'.
What you need to be aware of is: careful inspection to the input shaft, the end that goes into the spigot bearing. This may have been damaged by the collapsing bearing and unfortunately there would be no point replacing the bearing if the shaft going into it is badly worn/damaged.
Inspect the splines for wear
Inspect the input shaft seal for leaking (excessive movement may have damaged it)
Inspect the flywheel face for wear
Strip/lube refit release mechanism, again checking for wear.
Make sure your clutch slave cylinder bleed nipple can be loosened for bleeding once everything is refitted.
Martin

[lamb125]

Thanks for all the good info and advice. I don't have to remove the flywheel to get to the remains of the spigot bearing do I? It's a push fit into a blind hole isn't it?

[Ian Hulley]

Should be yes, it helps to have the replacement in the freezer overnight to ease fitment

[jamesc76]

to get the spigot bearing out find a close fitting bolt fill the bearing hole with grease and give the bolt a good whack into the grease and should pop the bearing out!

[Oldiebut goodie]

Yeah that or you get a face full of grease!

[jamesc76]

Yeah that or you get a face full of grease!

only if ya do it wrong!