Whoops, I've killed my clutch

[stuart_k]

Took advantage of the change in weather and removed the engine at the weekend. It came out very smoothly and I didn't notice any problem but on clearing the engine bay I found one of the release lever retaining springs sitting in the bellhousing. My attempts to put it back in again only led to the other 2 coming off so I now have a clutch sans bearing thrust plate and retaining springs.

Is it possible to disassemble and reconstruct it without the clutch tool (18G99A) described in the workshop manual? Or am I going to have to buy a complete assembly and replace it?

1098 engine and box.

[mike.perry]

I would go for a new clutch assembly, its a real drag when you put it back together in the car and it still does not work

[bmcecosse]

As you have discovered - you have to be careful - even more so when putting it back in! You should be able to re-asemble it - use a vice . or even a jack to hold it together while you refit the toggles and springs. But as MP says - you will regret if it doesn't work properly when you put the engine back in the car!

[stuart_k]

I was afraid of that. Oh well, thanks anyway. I thought I had been careful

[kittyfell]

Do you have a picture of the damaged clutch?

[stuart_k]

I can take a picture and post it up this evening or tomorrow but basically the bearing thrust plate has come off the 3 release levers. Everything else is intact. Really annoying because it all looks in good condition.

[bmcecosse]

I've had these off and re-assembled before - it's not rocket science!

[stuart_k]

I'm going to have to remove it to replace it anyway so I can always have a play. Like you say, it doesn't look complicated but reading the workshop manual it sounds like I need a special tool to put it all back together again.

[stuart_k]

Pics as requested. The clutch:[frame][/frame]

and the missing thrust plate:[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

But surely that's just if you adjust it. I think as long as you don't move anything - it should just go back together ok.

[stuart_k]

So can I take it apart? I tried to get it back on as it is and all that happened was that the other two springs dropped off and I ended up as it is now. I confess it was getting late and I gave up. I'll have another go this weekend to see if I can get it all together without disassembly but if that fails I have nothing to lose by taking it apart.

[bmcecosse]

A bit of brute strength maybe! Compress it with a jack - under a bench - something like that ? Just take care nothing flies up and hits you in the face - maybe wear some eye protection!

[nigelbainbridge]

why not remove the clutch letting the pressure off then fit the thrust back on .

[Mogwai]

Had this happen to me once when an engine slipped on removal. Although fiddly I don't remember the springs being that difficult to fit, nothing needed dismantling anyway.
Have you tried slipping the springs under the fingers first then easing them over the thrust plate (I think that's how I done it)

[stuart_k]

It was surprisingly easy to do with the unit removed from the engine and on the bench. The springs slip over and one has more control when the housing is in a horizontal position instead of vertical. Just need to get a cluth aligning tool and I can put it back on again.

[bmcecosse]

I just use the wood valve grinding stick ( a wooden spoon would do!) with black tape wound round to build up the diameter where the plate sits. The wood dowel fits the oilite bush in the crank nicely.[frame][/frame]