Re: Clutch Replacement

["Steve Rubano" <srubano@xxxx>]

My advice would be to call one of the Delorean dealers up and tell 
them exactly what you are experiencing. 9 out of 10 times they will 
be able to help you out and track down your problem. They are helpful 
and very knowledgeable. But I will list a few things you may be able 
to check.

You can check the slave cylinder for any rust inside the bore by 
removing the cylinder from the tranny and taking the rubber boot off 
the top of it. Look inside the bore for any rust or pitting. Usually 
if it has rusted (or pitted) it will start to leak. Check for leaks 
on both the master and slave cylinders.

I just learned (thanks to Rob Grady) that there were three types of 
Throw out bearings. One of them has a steel sleeve and the other two 
have plastic inserts in them with splines. The two with the plastic 
inserts only differed in the number of splines that were on them. The 
one with the steel sleeve was prone to rust and cause the Throw Out 
bearing to stick and in some cases actually seize. That's why they 
changed over to the plastic insert ones. Could it be possible you 
have the one with the steel sleeve? Maybe, but I know they changed it 
over on certain VIN's, I don't know when they did it. Like I said, 
one of the Delorean dealers can help you out with that.

> 1. Is it possible that water, dirt, or debris of some sort has 
gotten 
> on the clutch plate and is preventing it from gripping properly?

If any water had gotten onto your clutch plate or pressure plate and 
rusted it, you would hear sqealing but should go away. Same as when 
your car has sat for few days and the rotors on your brakes form a 
little rust you hear a squeal that then goes away after driving it.

> 2. If I do end up needing to replace the clutch, is there any easy 
> way to accomplish this? (in other words is this something that I 
> could do in my driveway) 

You can do this in your driveway, I am currently doing mine. You will 
need a clutch alignment tool to install a new one yourself. 

> 
> 3. Along with the clutch would it be advisable to replace the 
> pressure plate as well?

Buy a clutch kit (not the kit with all the hydraulics and hoses). It 
will come with the pressure plate and disc if you need to replace the 
clutch. I would recommend getting the Centerforce clutch. You can 
either get it from Rob at PJ Grady's or if you have an ATV store near 
you they can order it for you. You can find the part numbers on my 
site. www.dmcman.homestead.com. If you change the clutch make sure 
you change the Pilot bearing and Throw out bearing at the same time.

> 
> 4. When visually inspecting the clutch plate, pressure plate, 
etc..., 
> what signs of wear/damage should I look for?

When inspecting the clutch plate, look for any cracks, the thickness, 
glazing and any other signs of wear on the pad. When inspecting the 
pressure plate look for any grooves on the mating surface (will sort 
of resemble a record, you know the ones before CD's :)). Check the 
fingers on it also, make sure they are all at the same height and 
that none of them are bent or lower than another one. The fingers I 
am referring to is where the Throw out bearing sits on and pushes in 
when you press on the clutch pedal. Also check the flywheel for any 
grooves.