Is this opening (circled in red in pic) supposed to be left opened and exposed to the elements? This is a TII tranny.

It seems that since the clutch disk's friction material is so sensitive to grease and other "substances" which can induce slippage, leaving this opening is risky?

Is it open like that stock? Has anyone closed it up? Why is it like that?

(btw - not my pic)

Thanks,
-a

 

yes, its to vent the gases and heat produced by the clutch

 

That hole you circles in the pic is for the clutch fork.
The clutch fork connects the clutch slave cylinder to the throw-out bearing.


-Ted

 

Ted, look a little closer. The clutch fork is already sitting there, poking out of the the other side of the tranny. Time for a new prescription buddy?

Steve

 

DOH!
Now I REALLY need glasses!


-Ted

 

36, boys and girls. This is what you have to look forward to.

Steve

 

So this is the consensus?

Anyone have a response to the concerns about the friction material on the disk?

 

Every FC tranny has this opening. There are no factory plugs for it, it's supposed to be open. You're fine.

Steve

 

ya, it is for gases/heat/dirt coming off the clutch to get all over the underside of your car, ick!

 

As far as oil getting in, the real issue is the rear shaft oil seal leakage.
That's the residue you see on the bottom part of that picture.
It drains out a small notch in the bottom of the housing.