Clutch Assembly: Inspection

Check for oil leakage through engine rear main bearing oil seal and transaxle input shaft seal. Check flywheel and pressure plate for burned areas, discoloration, cracks, grooves or ridges. Replace as necessary.
Use medium sandpaper (80-180 grade) to clean flywheel surface, then wipe with mineral spirits. DO NOT flat-machine flywheel surface. Check facing surfaces for grease or oil contamination. Check for wear to within less than .008" (.20 mm) of rivet heads. Check splines of disc hub and transaxle input shaft.
Using straightedge, check pressure plate. Friction area should be flat to slightly concave, with the inner diameter about 0-.0039" (0-0.1 mm) less than outer diameter. Using surface plate, check clutch cover for flatness. Sections around bolt holes should contact surface plate within .015" (.38 mm). Ensure cover-to-flywheel dowel fit is snug. Replace clutch assembly as necessary.

NOTE: Before installing clutch disc, ensure flywheel mating surface, pilot bearing/bushing and clutch release bearing are in satisfactory condition. Repair and/or replace components as necessary.

Check pressure plate diaphragm spring end for wear and uneven height. Replace if height difference exceeds .02" (0.5 mm). Check pressure plate for wear, cracks and color change. Replace pressure plate if strap plate rivets are loose.
Check clutch disc for loose facing rivets, uneven contact, deterioration due to seizure or adhesion of oil or grease. Replace clutch disc if rivet sink is under .012" (0.30 mm). Replace clutch disc if torsion spring play or damage exists. Install clutch disc to input shaft, and check sliding condition and rotating play.
NOTE: Clutch release bearing is packed with grease. DO NOT use cleaning solvent to clean release bearing.
Check clutch release bearing for heat damage, abnormal noise, improper rotation or any other damage. Check for wear at point of bearing contact on pressure plate diaphragm spring. If wear is present at point of bearing contact with release fork, replace bearing. If wear is present at point of release fork contact with clutch bearing, replace clutch release fork.