How does a clutch pack work in an automatic transmission?
Rubber lip seals seal the piston to the drum and return springs push the fluid out of the drum when it is no longer in use to release the clutch plates. Automatic transmissions come with multiple clutch packs. Meaning that there may be one clutch pack per speed or shift.
What causes a clutch pack to burn up?
This may be caused by warpage or distortion, incorrect loading of curved discs or pistons, the wrong thickness of plates, or incorrect pack clearance. Re-manufacture with new clutch plates and seal rings. The contaminants may be embedded in the clutch plates or may have constricted oil passages.
What do you call a wet clutch pack?
The fiber is about .030 to .050 thick and is made of a material that is environmentally friendly and enjoys being soaked in ATF all the time. We call these wet clutch packs. The last thing to mention about fiber clutch plates is that they are very allergic to water or antifreeze.
Can a fiber clutch plate be allergic to water?
The last thing to mention about fiber clutch plates is that they are very allergic to water or antifreeze. Should you develop a radiator problem where the coolant gets into the transmission, or perhaps your area was flooded and water entered the transmission through the vent hole, get the fluid changed and flushed ASAP or sooner.
What causes a car clutch to not release?
On older vehicles that use a cable release mechanism, the clutch may not release if the cable is broken or misadjusted. A problem with the pivot fork that operates the release bearing can cause similar problems.
When is an overdrive clutch pack a failure point?
If Overdrive is only used for 3 gears, and all 3 of them are inaccessible, the probability is a failure of Overdrive. This diagnostic logic can apply to virtually any transmission. The Overdrive clutch pack is a uniquely large failure-point in these transmissions, and is much of the reason we pioneered our groundbreaking 68RFE Cherry Bomb.
What should be included in a clutch kit?
A clutch kit includes a new or remanufactured clutch disc, pressure plate and release bearing. A kit is the best way to go because all of the parts are sourced from the same supplier and are matched so the installed height will be correct. Mismatched parts can sometimes cause engagement and release problems.
How to troubleshoot a clutch that won’t fully disengage?
Step 1: Collect all tools and your creeper and place them out of the way. Step 2: Raise the vehicle. Using a floor jack that is recommended for the weight of the vehicle, lift under the vehicle at its specified jacking points until the wheels are completely off the ground. Step 3: Remove the jack stands and keep them far away from the vehicle.