Thread: Planning for a new clutch and flywheel

I have a question about a clutch kit. I did buy such a kit such long time ago that my ebay purchase history isn't showing it any longer. I've included an image which is not the kit I have.



I vaguely remember reading on this forum somewhere, that a tiny part (a 'spring' or 'clip' i believe), has to be replaced too, because it might break (litteraly). But I am not sure how this part is called in English and this part I am referring to isn't shown on the image I have included?

The description included with this image noted the following parts:

Chromoly Lightweight Flywheel (13.3 lbs), I have a flywheel
Pressure Plate, I'm not sure if I have this
Clutch Disc (8-1/2", 18 splines), I have a clutch disc
Throwout Bearing, I'm not sure I have it, but if not, I will buy one
Pilot Bushing, I am sure I don't have this part.

My questions
Does anyone know what part I am referring to as a spring or clip?
What is your opinion on not replacing a pilot bushing for a new one?
Are there criteria for replacing or not replacing a pressure plate?

I can not know for sure, but I expect my car has the original clutch and it has 135k on it.

Most people will recommend replacing the throw-out bearing retainer clips (there are two of them) that hold the throw-out bearing to the clutch lever arm.
The image above does not show them.
The description you've posted doesn't include them.
Here is an image of one:


If you want these clips, you should order them from Greg Vogel at Gspec, or wherever you get your OEM Nissan parts.

As for the pilot bushing, that is a part I've never replaced in all my days. I don't think our transmissions actually mate up with it. I think it's for automatic transmissions only? I don't know... It's nice to have?

As for the pressure plate, technically they can be resurfaced. If you think yours is in good shape, it can be re-used, with or without resurfacing. It just depends on what condition it is in, and what kind of budget you have. Personally, I'll do 2 or 3 clutch jobs before I even think about messing with the pressure plate on a stock car, with an organic clutch. With a semi-metalic clutch or Kevlar clutch you might only want the pressure plate to have to live through two of those before you resurface or replace. With a ceramic or sintered-iron clutch, you for sure need to resurface between each clutch replacement at the least. Or possibly just replace the pressure plate with every clutch.

Everything I said above also goes for the flywheel.


Did I answer all of your questions? What else can I help with?

Pilot bushing not used for our cars. I/we always replace the pressure plate with the new one when doing a clutch. I suppose you could just purchase a new clutch disc and use your old pressure plate, but if it's original at 135k miles.. meh. Also, unless you have access to a lift, replacing the clutch is a fairly extensive job (especially the first couple times) and you should probably replace the pressure plate as well since you went thru all the trouble.

P.S. not familiar with the Chromoly flywheel, do you have the packaging it came in and does it mention anything about re-surfacing?

FWIW

I recently did my clutch and wasn’t looking for anything that would exceed stock performance. For that reason I went with a cheap Exedy kit (cost me under $200) and it came with the following;
- pressure plate
- disc
- disc alignment tool
- throw out bearing
- pivot bearing (I did not replace mine even though my car only has 74k miles)

If I remember correctly the way you could check the wear on the pilot bushing you have installed right now would be by checking how much play you have using the alignment tool. If you have any room to ‘wobble’ the alignment tool when inserting it as if you were alignment the disc then you should replace it. Otherwise if it’s a snug fit then it’s safe to say it’s fine and replacing isn’t necessary required.

I wish I knew the kit didn’t come with the retainer clips Ben mentioned above because I could have used a fresh set. Luckily I plan on doing my clutch again next summer so going with a cheap kit for now was good enough for me.

I probably wouldn’t recommend getting the Exedy clutch if you plan to drive the car a bit hard or expect it to last more than 70k miles (the metal that holds springs on the disc in place is probably weak and if driven hard you run the risk of it failing and a spring popping out and destroying the entire setup)

If used a 6 puck sprung ACT mates with a lighter flywheel and loved it. I plan on getting it again when I replace it but I’ve been considering exploring other options such as Competition Clutch, Action Clutch and another brand which I’m forgetting at the moment but I’m not fully sold and was happy with ACT so I might just get another one of those.

Good luck and hope this helped