Clutch 101

[Bibs]

The majority of the cost is the 8 hours labour needed to remove and refit the gearbox. With it out, it's a 10 minute job, 6 bolts!

[Sparky]

Wow. At

[Tony94S4]

I went through 2 s4s plates with the same failure,

R u going back with stock?

I will try to rebuild one of mine with stronger springs and c how it holds up

[Bibs]

Mine is a complete stock item supplied by Lotus, not sure what came out but genuine OEM items went back in

[Advantage]

So, we can safely assume there's not much chance of anything rusting in that engine bay....

[arbell9]

Bibs,

what age is the GrandPa mobile? Is your clutch wear / damage about right for the age?

when should you look at replacing a clutch in an esprit?

Age or wear and tear? Or both.

Nice piccies btw

[Sparky]

Hey Alex

Bibs's is 1989, but I can't remember the mileage. The clutch had worn uniformly and was just starting to touch the rivets. Clutch life is dependent on many things, especially driving style! You don't see that kind of spring damage too often - maybe melted by his turbo?

If your clutch is adjusted properly, you'll know when it needs changing as it'll start to slip under load. It's important to ensure correct adjustment at the lever because it can prevent flywheel damage. Bibs was heading for this scenario, until I adjusted it properly some weeks ago. This brought the slip to light earlier, thereby protecting the flywheel and saving lots of cash!

[johnpwalsh]

Hi guys I have just had a similar problem, replaced clutch pressure plate clutch release bearing and spigot bearing, now when I press the clutch pedal I get a crunching now on half clutch, someone has suggested the thrust bearing may have become dislodged in the block, any ideas as this is a replacement engine just fitted and not been out of the garage yet.