wedge collar/ring question (clutch install)
 

Hello all,

I am not new to the FD, in fact i have worked on several for other people in teh past without problems, including clutch work. This time I'm working on my own...I bought it already disassembled. I rebuilt the engine and am ready to install. The clutch looks near new...most new clutch facings measure .330" thick, and mine is still .310", like new, so I will reuse it and the PP.

However, I am having issues with the wedge collar setup. The thing doesnt look bent or anything, but when inserted into the PP it fits loosely...about 1/4" of play exist between it and the center ring of the pressureplate (axial play that is, not lateral). In other words, instead of sitting flush with the PP surface, it can be pulled back out almost 1/4".

What's more, with the trans mocked up (on the floor, both are outside the car and easily accessible) and the release bearing firmly inserted into the wedge collar/lockring, it can be made to pop right back out with a little force on the clutch fork. Yeah, a few pounds of pressure on a flatblade screwdriver (simulating pressure from the slave cylinder, pushing toward the front of the car) makes the thing pull right out of the clutch. No way it would work under actual use.

I don't understand why it won't work...the ring and collar look great, nothing is bent, etc. Pisses me off...this is all I am waiting on in order to install and fire up the car. But, no way I am putting the drivetrain into the car until I am confident I have this 100% right.

ANyone have advice/experience? I know I am supposed to replace the ring and collar, but it is a "must order" part and this is all the car is waiting for.

Oh, and while I'm here...does anyone have any clue why a PULL clutch was used in these cars? What was wrong with the traditional PUSH clutch that is used in 99% of street cars today and for the last 50 years? What is the advantage of a PULL clutch anyway, and why does that advantage (if any exists) apply to the FD??

The collar is suppose to pull back some, that's how it locks the throw-out bearing in place.

The slave cylinder pushes on the rod that connects to the fork which ends up PULLING.

How you release the bearing from the pressure plate is pushing it towards the front of the car. It's working how it's designed. Once it's mated up, the slave cylinder will apply presssure that will keep the collar PULLED back towards the rear of the car, thus NOT releasing the throw-out bearing.

Check this video:

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=clutch

Now, if you can insert the throw-out bearing into the collar, then pull it back towards the rear of the car and have it come out of the collar, then the collar needs to be replaced.

I fully understand how the system works. When I mock up the trans to the engine. I push the fork BACKWARD, to force the bearing into the collar and lock it in place.

Then, I use a large screwdriver as a prybar to push the fork FORWARD, just like the slave would if you pushed the clutch pedal. The bearing pops right back out.

So yes, I should replace the ring adn collar. But, I can't see jack sh*& wrong with it. It isnt bent, worn, anything. I just don't understand, from an engineering standpoint, what the problem is. Maybe if I get a new one I will find a difference.

BTW, the others I worked on, did not have so much play between the wedge collar and PP ring.

Thanks for the help.

Hmmm...now to find a new collar/ring within driving distance on a weekend :rolleyes:

The little teeth on the collar that hold the separate ring.... if those have been slightly bent at all, it will cause that problem. I had a similar problem, bent the offending tooth back into shape, put the ring back on, installed everything took it for a test drive... everything was fine. Parked the car, changed clothes and headed over to install some stuff on my father's Z06... halfway there the collar fell apart leaving me stranded.

If the collar can't hold the throw-out bearing in place, just replace it. It's not fun getting stranded just because of trying to get the car back on the road instead of waiting a few days for a part.

sorry mahjik, that was my fault.

I know you're right about that, and that's why I wont put the engine/trans combo into the car until I fix this right. However, in my mind, I like to know why something wouldn't work, so i can better understand how things do work and what causes failures, etc.

By the way, that is a very good video for those who do not know much about the pull clutch.

hypntyz7,

ebb above was the one helping to install my clutch.

ebb, hell, we both thought it would work (and it did for out test drive)! ;) Besides, the tow truck tearing up my front lip gave me the excuse to do the '99 lip with the Shark Mod. ;)

Did the new wire ring and wedge collar work for you?

I compared it to my old one and can;t really find anything wrong with the old one. Some of the fins on the old wedge collar are bent, say, 1/16", in relation to the new one. Anyway, the new one appears to have done the trick. I installed it all and it has not come out yet...

Thanks man! You're a lifesaver. IF you ever need an engine, let me know.

Glad to hear it worked for you. I'll take you up for a ride/drive of the turbo vert.

Got the FD running today. Even though I can't boost much, it runs real well and I am pretty happy. I swear though, I took it down the curvy road near my house hauling ass, and I sorta think the turbo vert is more fun...call me crazy. Perhaps I just have more wheel time in the vert.

Thanks again.

That's wierd maybe the shocks are blow on it. Let me know when you get it broken in. We can help you trobleshoot your boost issues, LOL.

Hmm, east of Knoxville, are you talking about THE curvy road?

Dave<-- soo jealous

Actually THE curvy road is more South of Knoxville.

Oh, yeah.

I used to travel there and drive in to Calderwood Dam using a rented Taurus / Escort / whatever. It was torture driving that road with the 7 at home.

I actually live about 45 minutes east of knoxville...nowhere near the dragon. But, I have my share of run roads. I have a vid of my 'vert on the one in front of my shop somewhere on my HD...