Checking clutch disc...

[fkovalski]

How can one tell the condition of the clutch on a CTD+NV5600?



Since these are all self adjusting hydraulic master/ slave cylinders, I have no feel for how much wear there may be.



I can see no place to visually inspect from underneath.



I would like to have some sort of indication rather than having it fail.



Ideas?

 

[GSeifert]

I do not have experience with that particular transmission. However, it is the transmission in my current Dodge. I can offer you this. Last year I replaced the clutch in my 1994 Chevy Silverado 350 with a 5 speed. For the same reason you are inquiring about yours. The truck has 142,000 miles and I absolutely punished that clutch. That is why I bought a diesel. I pulled way heavy with the gasser. Let me just tell you. My friction disk still had some good life. There was some rainbowing on the pressure plate and a little on the flywheel which I had resurfaced. Do you tow real heavy? How many miles. Hope this helps.

 

[GCroyle]

Without the benefit of an access panel like old stuff had, we can only assess the system based on performance evaluation. Some of this is difficult because its like looking in the mirror to see if you have gained weight, just take a look at your old yearbook. The following apply to stock NV4500 and NV5600 systems.



Slippage. Yes or no? My suggestion, uphill hard pull, do not downshift and do not touch the pedal, floor it, does it slip?



Gear noise. As the torsion damper wears it is possible for additional noise to be created in the trans, again hard to assess, refer to weight gain review above.



Clutch Pedal Effort. This is a true indicator but it is possibly the hardest one to interpret. As the disc facing approaches its worn out stage of life the force required to release the clutch increases. If you replaced the system PART # FOR PART # the new system would be easier to push than a worn out system. This can be proven in clutch labs. NOTE: This is not true for the OE Self Adjusting Clutch used on the G56. Your release load will also be lower after a part for part replacement because you are going to freshen up the release system sliding surfaces with a new bearing and the grease that is in the grease groove and any grunge and grime that is cleaned up in the R&r process.



Difficulty selecting reverse or 1st gear, possibly sometimes its easy, sometimes its harder. As the disc splines and input shaft spend years together without much more than a slight sliding action during shifts, a surface corrosion builds up. This corrosion prevents the disc from sliding as free as it one did on the shaft, can "stick" to F/W and cause increased effort to get it to release, the clutch is dragging.



Tips to extend clutch life.

1. Use 1st gear, always.

2. Engage at engine idle, Cummins takes care of the rest.

3. KEEP YOUR FOOT OFF OF THE PEDAL WHEN YOU ARE NOT SHIFTING.

4. It's not a Subaru and doesn't have a hill holder clutch, use the brakes to hold it on a hill, not the clutch.

5. Put it in N at lights and take your foot off of the pedal, extends service life of TOB, pilot bearing and hydraulics.

6. Minimize the time that the clutch is exposed to high heat during the engagement process, this extends the life of all of the friction surfaces.



Mileage is not a sure indicator but it cannot be ignored. The degree of work the truck performs will be different for a commuter truck vs. a ranch truck vs. a hot shot rig vs. a youthfully operated one.

 

[Motorhead]

Tips to extend clutch life.
1. Use 1st gear, always.
2. Engage at engine idle, Cummins takes care of the rest.
3. KEEP YOUR FOOT OFF OF THE PEDAL WHEN YOU ARE NOT SHIFTING.
4. It's not a Subaru and doesn't have a hill holder clutch, use the brakes to hold it on a hill, not the clutch.
5. Put it in N at lights and take your foot off of the pedal, extends service life of TOB, pilot bearing and hydraulics.
6. Minimize the time that the clutch is exposed to high heat during the engagement process, this extends the life of all of the friction surfaces.

That is The BEST advice anyone can get to keep a clutch in a vehicle for the longest period!!!

 

[Motorhead]

Tips to extend clutch life.
1. Use 1st gear, always.
2. Engage at engine idle, Cummins takes care of the rest.
3. KEEP YOUR FOOT OFF OF THE PEDAL WHEN YOU ARE NOT SHIFTING.
4. It's not a Subaru and doesn't have a hill holder clutch, use the brakes to hold it on a hill, not the clutch.
5. Put it in N at lights and take your foot off of the pedal, extends service life of TOB, pilot bearing and hydraulics.
6. Minimize the time that the clutch is exposed to high heat during the engagement process, this extends the life of all of the friction surfaces.

That is some of the BEST advice for keeping a clutch in a vehicle!!

 

[GCroyle]

Thanks Motorhead, seems silly to give advice on how to make em last when we all like to sell them. I just like them to work correctly and be enjoyed. Should be fun to drive, not a chore.



Feels like Monday, yuck!