Clutch problems

I have replaced clutches on my own trucks and driven trucks as a company driver that had clutches replaced. I never experienced any break-in symptoms.

 

I have. It was when a cut rate shop did a half ### job and it didn't last - had to be done again. Of course they didn't stand behind their work because most of them never do. I know there are some mechanics on here who are stand up, no offense to you, but really that is not the norm.

 

No offense taken. I am an o/o who does as much of the work I can. I can honestly say I never heard of a breakin period for a clutch unless the flywheel wasn't resurfaced. New brake linings in worn drums / same idea. Now I have a little research to do. I just never had that happen and I am almost anal about maintenance. Ask my girlfriend. LOL

 

I will probably stir the pot more but oh well. KdubFarmer You noticed slippage in the high gears because that is where the most strain is put on the clutch. Contrary to what many people believe the clutch works the hardest in the top gears,not the low gears. The mechanical advantage (low gears) is lost when you get into the top gears. Can you move a static load in low gear? Yes Can you move a static load in the top gears? No

 

I agree. I've driven trucks with a new clutch and never had problems. When somebody screws up an install excuses fly.

 

Years ago as a company driver a clutch was put in the truck I was driving. At 100,000 miles when I got it there was no freeplay in the pedal. Turned out it had never been adjusted. As a consequence the clutch did not last long. So the clutch was replaced and the truck was brought back to the farm for me to use that night. NO freeplay. I go to the shop on my way to NJ. Clutch is adjusted. Next week - same thing, no freeplay. Every 6 weeks it required an adjustment until it could no longer be left in the truck. I am taking flak all the while this goes on. Clutch is pulled by the installer. Farm gets a call - not the driver. It was a reman clutch and every paddle was tweaked just enough to allow only a fraction of each button to touch the flywheel and plate. I got the last laugh but I got a new nickname. Dan the clutch man.

 

Once driving an International with a Cummings engine I told the shop that I'm getting vibrations and the problem is the bell housing bolt are lose. they refused to listen to me.


Another man bought this outfit out telling me before hand and offered me to work for him at a better pay level. I told him about the problem with this truck but he bought it anyway and I went to work for him for the pay was much better.


About two to three weeks later we had trouble with even more vibration and the clutch was not working properly and carried to to a Freightliner shop. The problem was the bolts on the bell housing had loosen off just a bit, with two of the breaking.


Had to replace the bell housing, clutch, & flywheel.


Once replaced all vibrations were gone and the clutch worked perfectly.


What is amazing to me is the mechanics who will not listen to an experienced driver, many times they cost the truck owner much money instead of saving them money by fixing the problem before it tears up adding to the cost of fixing the truck.


I've never had a clutch in a car nor a truck that had to be broke in, new ones have always worked properly from the get go.

 

I've never seen a clutch that had to "break in" either....Could be a bad re-man, flywheel not shaved, grease on the clutch and flywheel, worn input shaft or bearings, etc.....

It seems today that it's hard to find anyone that is truly proficient in his/her trade.....Lots of motor heads running around claiming to be mechanics, but are actually what we used to call "hammer & chisel" guys....Todays fast paced world means time is money, so hurry up and get it done, get it out of here, so we can get to the next job.....Thus, attention to detail is often lost....