Backwards?

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Dec 31, 2013 | 10:11 PM

Sayfoo

Thread Starter

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2005

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From: Orange County Ca

Backwards?

Can a clutch disk or throw out bearing be installed backwards?
Would it work?
The car in question has a clutch linkage/pedal problem, but the clutch does work, just not exactly right.

Dec 31, 2013 | 11:15 PM

cardo0

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2002

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From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.

Yes the disk can be installed backwards and the car will not move.

The clutch fork can be installed incorrectly by slipping the fork clip over the lip of the throw out bearing race. The clutch for and clip need to ride inside the TO brg race.

Hope this helps,
cardo0

Dec 31, 2013 | 11:18 PM

TOM B1

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 836

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From: Harrisburg Pa

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sayfoo

Can a clutch disk or throw out bearing be installed backwards?
Would it work?
The car in question has a clutch linkage/pedal problem, but the clutch does work, just not exactly right.

Hydraulic clutch or all linkage clutch? A throw out bearing goes in one way,bearing face towards clutch fingers, you would have to work really hard to get it in wrong.
A disk you can get in backwards, if in wrong the center tooth ring would hit the pilot bearing or depending on clutch type the clutch release fingers would hit the tooth ring when you push in the clutch.

Dec 31, 2013 | 11:52 PM

TimAT

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From: Gladstone MO

C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019

If the disk is backward, the hub will be against the flywheel and no way to release the clutch. Not enough travel in the pressure plate.
The T/O bearing goes with the bearing face against the pressure plate fingers. The slot fits over the spring in the fork so it "floats".

Jan 1, 2014 | 11:07 AM

SeattleC5

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 216

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From: Camas WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimAT

I would agree also that if either was in backwards you would not have a working clutch. Since you say it does work it could be worn, poorly adjusted or have a fork that is not working well due to the pivot point being worn/loose etc.

Jan 1, 2014 | 01:28 PM

lars

Tech Contributor

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 14,365

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From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sayfoo

Can a clutch disk or throw out bearing be installed backwards?
Would it work?
The car in question has a clutch linkage/pedal problem, but the clutch does work, just not exactly right.

The disc cannot be installed backwards and still have any function whatsoever: If the disc is backwards (i.e., upside-down) the center part of the clutch disc will be jammed hard up against the center of the flywheel, and the friction portion of the disc will not touch the flywheel. I'm not even sure that the pressure plate could be fully tightened down onto disc in this configuration. If it could, the clutch would be completely inoperable.

Same with the TO bearing - it would not be operable at all if it were installed upside-down.

Lars

Jan 1, 2014 | 02:12 PM

Sayfoo

Thread Starter

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 4,212

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From: Orange County Ca

Ok, thanks all. Sounds like disc and TO bearing have to be correct.
The stock linkage is adjusted full out and the pedal engagement is off. So I think I'll make sure that the fork is installed correctly, and if so, I'll check the fork ball stud length to see if it's correct.
Any thoughts on a adjustable length ball stud?
My trans is leaking from the front counter shaft bushing/support, so I'm going to pull the trans anyway.
Thanks again.

Jan 1, 2014 | 05:30 PM

kanvasman

Safety Car

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 3,775

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From: Summerville SC

When I was 17 I put a clutch in my '57 chevy, and it didn't work. The old time mechanic that was watching me told me I put the T O Bearing in backwards. I asked himhow did he know, he said most people do that the first time. I asked why he didn't tell me about the mistake I was making, and his reply was if he told me I would never learn, but he could guarantee that I would never do that again. 45 yrs later, he was right.