Despite the complex nature of the modern clutch system, many technicians remain under the misapprehension that clutch replacement is a simple and straightforward affair. However, with clutch replacement now often taking several hours it’s imperative for workshop profitability that technicians have the information they need to fit the replacement right, first time.

To help them in the process, clutch specialists Borg & Beck have produced a useful fault diagnosis chart to highlight the issues that can result from incorrect clutch fitment, so that fitting problems can be avoided and business profits and customer satisfaction retained.

Using the chart to recognise the symptom, technicians can identify the cause, its effect and the remedy and therefore prevent costly installation problems before they occur.

Grease Is The Word


To ensure the correct operation and maximise service life, the correct quantity and formulation of grease is crucial, which is why all Borg & Beck clutch kits contain a sachet of grease that ticks both quality and quantity boxes.

Release bearing not lubricated

Without any grease on the bearing guide tube or in the bearing recess, the bearing bore will become scored and the clutch action jerky, with heavy pedal feel.

Remedy:

Ensure that the grease is applied to the bearing guide tube or the groove on a new bearing is filled with good quality, high melting point grease. If necessary, also renew the bearing guide tube.

Incorrect spline grease

The wrong grease on the driven plate splines will lead to clutch drag due to dirt contamination of the splines.

Remedy:

Thoroughly clean the first motion gearbox input shaft and apply a fine smear of approved grease and renew the driven plate.

Worn bearing guide tube

The incorrect lubrication on the bearing guide tube will also cause jerky clutch action and a heavy pedal.

Remedy:

Replace the worn guide tube and lightly lubricate it with the approved grease.

Location, Location, Location

Broken spring fingers

When the cover assembly is not located correctly on the flywheel or the bearing over travels, which allows the spring fingers to come into contact with the driven plate and break off.

Remedy:

Ensure that the release mechanism, including the auto adjuster is working correctly and replace the complete clutch and any other damaged parts, before re-setting it properly.

Distorted cover mounted flange

Another effect of an incorrectly located cover assembly is vibration and clutch drag.

Remedy:

Check the flywheel dowels for damage and if they are okay, correctly fit a new cover assembly.

Damaged driven plate

If the driven plate is fitted the wrong way round, the clutch could be completely inoperative and damage will result.

Remedy:

Replace the driven plate assembly and install it in the correct direction, while also checking for damage, and if necessary replacing, the cover assembly.