Warning! Dust generated by worn clutch components may contain asbestos, which is harmful to health. DO NOT blow it off with compressed air and try NOT to inhale it. DO NOT use gasoline or mineral solvents to wash off dust, there are special cleaners for this, methyl alcohol is also suitable.
Removing
1. On these models, it is necessary to remove the power unit from the car, and then, on a workbench, separate the transmission from the engine (contact the head Engine repair).
2. Mark the basket and flywheel with paint or a marker before removing the clutch.
3a. Loosen the basket bolts in a diagonal sequence...
3b....by turning them half a turn at a time, so that the bolts can be unscrewed by hand.
4. Press the basket off the dowel pins and remove the friction disc, noting its orientation.
Note. Given the length and complexity of the procedure for removing and installing clutch components, it is recommended to replace the friction disc, basket and release bearing, even if only one of these components is worn.
Inspection
1. Before cleaning clutch components, read the Warning at the beginning of this Section. Remove all dust using a clean, dry cloth.
2. Inspect the friction disc linings for damage, signs of wear and oil stains. If the friction lining is cracked, burned, scratched or otherwise damaged, contaminated with oil or grease (shiny black spots), replace the friction disc. Check the installation depth of the rivets; if it is 0.5 mm or less, the friction disc must also be replaced.
3. If the friction linings are still serviceable, check that the disc hub slots are not worn, the damper springs are in good condition and secure, and that all rivets are in place. If any of the listed damage is found, replace the friction disc.
4. If the friction lining is contaminated with oil, this may be due to leakage from the crankshaft oil seal, transmission input shaft, or oil pan/cylinder block joint. Before installing a new friction disc, replace the oil seal or gasket (see relevant part of Chapters Engine repair or Transmission).
5. Inspect the basket for signs of wear and damage. Shake it to check for broken rivets and diaphragm spring support rings. Check that the plates holding the pressure plate to the clutch basket do not show signs of overheating (bright yellow or blue spots). If the diaphragm spring is worn or damaged, or if its pressure is weakened, replace the basket (refer to accompanying illustration).
6. Inspect the machined surfaces of the pressure plate and flywheel; they must be clean, perfectly even and smooth. If one of the components is either discolored from overheating or cracked, it should be replaced. Minor damage of this nature can sometimes be sanded off using sandpaper.
7. Make sure the release bearing rotates smoothly and easily, without noise or jerks. Also check that its surface is smooth and free from cracks, pitting or pitting. If there is any doubt as to its condition, replace the bearing.
Installation
1. When assembling, make sure that the working surfaces of the flywheel and pressure plate are clean and even. Use a solvent to remove protective grease from new components.
2. Install the friction disc so that the protruding part of its hub is directed away from the flywheel. If required, lock the friction disc in position using the clutch centering tool (refer to accompanying illustration).
3. Install the pressure plate assembly on the pins (refer to accompanying illustration), aligning the marks made during removal. Insert the pressure plate bolts, but tighten them only by hand so far so that the friction plate can still move.
4. The friction disc must be centered so that when the transmission is installed, its input shaft can pass through the disc hub.
5. To do this, insert a screwdriver or some long rod through the friction disc into the recess in the end of the crankshaft and move the disc in the desired direction until the crankshaft recess is exactly in the center of the disc hub. Alternatively, you can use a special centering tool or make a homemade tool from a metal or wooden pin, close in diameter to the recess in the crankshaft and having a thickening in contact with the hub of the friction disk, corresponding to the diameter of the disk hole.
Note. Renault clutch kits are equipped with a special centering tube.
6. After the friction plate is centered, tighten the pressure plate bolts evenly and in a diagonal sequence to the force given in the Specifications. Remove the centering tool.
7. Apply some molybdenum grease to the contact surfaces of the release bearing, guide bushing and fork (Renault recommends Molykote BR2).
Attention! Do not use too much grease, excess may get on the lining of the friction disc.
8. Establish transmission on the engine, then establish the power unit in the car as it is described in the Head Engine repair.