Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Clutch Issues

[gb789]

My clutch on my 2001 is hard to shift. It has 151,000 miles on it now. The truck is 4x4, Nv4500 3. 54 gears and 305/70r16 tires. The clutch pedal has been getting harder to push in to shift the gears. The clutch slave cylinder started to leak this past summer so I replaced the whole assembly with a new one. The pedal was hard to push in before this and the new slave cylinder made no difference. My question is has anyone experienced this or is the clutch gone?
Thanks for the help.

 

[GCroyle]

gb789,



You didn't say if this was the original clutch or replacement. I'll base my 1st comments on original system.



It is normal for the release load on a diaphragm clutch to increase as the disc gets thinner, especially as it reaches its worn out time to replace stage. The release load can also be compounded by the 11+ year old degraded grease on the SLIDING of the bearing on the transmission guide tube. A new clutch, correctly installed and the release load goes back to stock.



Hard shifting at your mileage if these are the original parts, time to think clutch, rusty splines, thin disc and the pilot bearing, easy to replace after the trans and clutch are off. Very important to replace this needle bearing before it gets ugly and damages the input shaft needle race surface.



IF this is a replacement clutch, it changes a bit, but I have reason to be concerned about the release bearing and IF it was greased in the collar bore before installation. You are taking a full pedal stroke of maybe 6-7 inches and thru pedal cluster, hydro's, fork and finally converting all of this to a straight line motion of the bearing that is less than 1/2" things can happen that increase the pedal effort that are often overlooked.



Good luck,



Gary

 

[gb789]

Gary,



Thanks for the the answer to my question. I believe the clutch is the orignal one. Any suggestions on the way to go on a replacement clutch? Stock vs after market? What are the pro and cons?



Thanks,



Dan

 

[LNaugle]

call southbend clutch, talk to there guys ,they will set you up with the best clutch assy you have ever used. dont forget the hydraulics!