case, the vehicle needs a new clutch. Any oil leaks should also be repaired before the new clutch is installed. If a clutch fails to release, the problem is often a bad master clutch cylinder, slave cylinder or hydraulic concentric release bearing. Replacing the master and slave cylinder at the same time will reduce the risk of future problems. On applications that have a concentric slave cylinder, the release bearing may be part of the slave cylinder, or a separate component. A new release bearing should be included if it is not part of the slave
cylinder. Slave cylinders may have a plastic strap that holds the cylinder in a fully compressed position. This strap must not be removed during installation. It is designed to break free the first time the clutch is engaged. 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. Clutch noise is usually caused by a bad release bearing, but it can also be caused by a bad pilot bush-
ing in vehicles that have a pilot bushing in the back end of the crankshaft. The bushing supports the tip of the transmission input shaft. This may or may not be included in a clutch kit depending on the application. The condition of the flywheel also is important. The surface of the flywheel must be clean, smooth and flat. If rough or worn, it should be resurfaced or replaced. Some stepped flywheels and dual mass flywheels cannot be resurfaced and must be replaced if worn or defective. If cracked or damaged, replacement is the only option. CM
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