GM 24264178 Bearing Kit,Clutch Release

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To remove the clutch components, the transmission needs to be removed, unless the engine is being taken out for a major overhaul. In that case, the clutch should be checked for wear and replaced if necessary. It is recommended to replace the clutch components whenever the engine or transmission is removed, unless they are new or in near-perfect condition. The process involves disconnecting the clutch hydraulic fluid line, supporting the engine while removing the transmission, and inspecting the flywheel and pressure plate for indexing marks. The pressure plate-to-flywheel bolts should be loosened and removed, followed by the pressure plate and clutch disc. During inspection, all components should be checked, and the clutch disc and release bearing should be replaced. The pressure plate should be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Before installation, the flywheel and pressure plate machined surfaces should be cleaned, and the clutch disc and pressure plate should be positioned against the flywheel with an alignment tool. The pressure plate-to-flywheel bolts should be tightened gradually in a criss-cross pattern, and the clutch disc should be centered using the alignment tool. The release bearing, transmission, and all previously removed components should be installed, and all fasteners should be tightened to the recommended torque.

The bearing should be wiped with a clean rag and inspected for damage, wear, and cracks. It should not be immersed in solvent as it's sealed for life, and doing so would ruin it.

The pressure plate should be inspected for wear or damage on the machined surfaces and diaphragm spring fingers.

Prior to installing the transmission, apply grease to the sleeve of the transmission front bearing retainer.

When working on the clutch system, it is assumed that the engine will remain in place, and access to the clutch components will be through the removal of the transmission. It's recommended that when the engine or transmission is removed, the clutch components, which are relatively low-cost compared to the effort required to access them, should be replaced unless they are new or in near-perfect condition. To begin, the transmission is removed from the vehicle while supporting the engine. Engine hoists or support fixtures are preferred, but if using a jack underneath the engine, a piece of wood should be used between the jack and the oil pan to distribute the load. The clutch release bearing assembly can stay attached to the transmission for now. To support the clutch disc during removal, a clutch alignment tool is installed through the clutch disc hub. The flywheel and pressure plate should be carefully inspected for indexing marks or marked manually for alignment purposes. The pressure plate-to-flywheel bolts are loosened in a criss-cross pattern, and after relieving all spring pressure, the bolts, pressure plate, and clutch disc are removed. Inspection involves checking the flywheel for defects and imperfections, inspecting the pilot bearing, examining the clutch disc lining for wear and damage, replacing the release bearing, and evaluating the pressure plate for excessive wear, damage, or distortion. Light glazing can be removed from the pressure plate friction surface using sandpaper or emery cloth. Installation steps include cleaning the flywheel and pressure plate surfaces with brake system cleaner, positioning the clutch disc and pressure plate against the flywheel, centering the clutch disc using an alignment tool, tightening the pressure plate-to-flywheel bolts gradually in a criss-cross pattern, lubricating the release bearing face with high-temperature grease, and finally, installing the clutch release bearing, transmission, and all previously removed components while adhering to proper torque specifications and bleeding the clutch hydraulic system.

Detach the hydraulic line from the clutch slave cylinder. To disconnect the hydraulic line from the clutch slave cylinder, place the special tool against the shoulder of the quick-connect fitting, push in on the fitting and pull the line out. Remove the transmission. Remove the two clutch slave cylinder retaining bolts. Slide the clutch slave cylinder off the transmission input shaft. Check the operation of the bearing by turning it while applying pressure; if it is rough or noisy, replace it. It can be removed from the clutch slave cylinder. While the transmission is removed, inspect the clutch disc and pressure plate assembly and replace as necessary. Clean off the transmission input shaft and apply a light film of high-temperature grease to it. Slide the new clutch slave cylinder into place, install the retaining bolts and tighten them to the specific torque. Install the transmission. Connect the hydraulic line to the clutch slave cylinder. Fill the clutch fluid reservoir with the recommended fluid. Bleed the clutch hydraulic system.

The removal process involves accessing the clutch components by removing the transmission while leaving the engine in place, with the engine supported, preferably using an engine hoist, or a jack with a piece of wood between it and the oil pan to avoid damage to the oil pump pickup. Care must be taken as the oil pan is close to the pickup. The release cylinder should be removed first. For heavy-duty (cast iron case) transmissions, the bellhousing-to-engine bolts should be removed, and the housing may need gentle prying to detach from alignment dowels. The clutch fork and release bearing can remain attached to the housing. An alignment tool is recommended to support the clutch disc during removal. The flywheel and pressure plate should be carefully inspected for indexing marks or scribed marks for proper alignment. The pressure plate-to-flywheel bolts should be gradually loosened in a criss-cross pattern and removed, followed by the pressure plate and clutch disc. Upon inspection, it is advised to examine all clutch components, including the clutch driven plate assembly (clutch disc), flywheel for defects, and the pilot bearing. The clutch disc should have at least 1/16-inch of lining above the rivet heads, and loose rivets, distortion, cracks, and other damage should be checked for. The release bearing and the machined surfaces and diaphragm spring fingers of the pressure plate should also be inspected for wear or damage, with the pressure plate replaced if necessary. Cleaning the flywheel and pressure plate surfaces with lacquer thinner or acetone is crucial before installation to ensure no oil or grease is present. The clutch disc and pressure plate should be positioned against the flywheel with an alignment tool, ensuring proper installation, and the pressure plate-to-flywheel bolts should be tightened gradually in a criss-cross pattern. The clutch disc should be centered using the alignment tool before final tightening of the bolts. Lubrication of the release bearing, release lever contact areas, and transmission input shaft bearing retainer with high-temperature grease is essential before installing the clutch release bearing. Finally, reinstallation of the transmission, release cylinder, and all previously removed components is necessary, with all fasteners tightened to recommended torque specifications.

On models equipped with a heavy-duty type transmission, the bellhousing is installed, and the bolts are tightened to the correct torque.

To remove the clutch release bearing, start by removing the release cylinder and then the transmission. On certain models, such as the 1994 and 1995 models with four-cylinder engines, the bell housing also needs to be removed. Once these components are removed, detach the clutch release lever from the ball stud and remove the bearing from the lever. To inspect the bearing, hold the center and rotate the outer portion while applying pressure. If it doesn't turn smoothly or is noisy, it should be replaced. Inspect the bearing for any damage, wear, or cracks. When installing the new bearing, lightly lubricate the clutch release lever, the groove for the lever in the bearing, and the inner groove of the bearing with high-temperature grease. Attach the bearing to the lever and lubricate the ball socket with grease before securely seating the lever onto the ball stud. Apply a light coat of grease to the face of the bearing where it contacts the pressure plate diaphragm fingers. For 1994 and 1995 models, install the bell housing and tighten the bolts to the correct torque specifications. Prior to installing the transmission, apply grease to the sleeve of the transmission front bearing retainer. Finally, complete the installation by following the reverse of the removal procedure and tightening all bolts to the correct torque.

To attach the new bearing to the lever, lubricate the ball socket with grease before securely seating the lever onto the ball stud. Apply a light coat of grease to the face of the bearing where it contacts the pressure plate diaphragm fingers.

The pressure plate-to-flywheel bolts should be tightened gradually in a criss-cross pattern.

It is recommended to replace the clutch components whenever the engine or transmission is removed, unless they are new or in near-perfect condition.