Clutch questions

[PLaFrombois]

It's been quite a while since I had three pedals so bear with me. I'm looking at a couple of used 6-speeds to test drive this next week, and want to know what I should look for regarding worn clutches. These would be on 3rd gen trucks. How can you tell if the clutch is slipping? Is there some type of test I can do to check? What else should I listen for when I take it for a test drive? Driveline vibration? Can you feel it in the steering wheel?



One of the trucks, which I'll probably pass on, but will drive anyway, has had a turbo assembly replaced at 6100 miles, and U-joints replaced at 32,000 miles. What would be the reason the turbo failed so early? Anything else I should look at when I check the trucks out?



Thanks



Paul

 

[GCroyle]

Clutch Tests

1. Normal driveability, upshifting, downshifting and freely able to select gears.

2. Smooth engagement, able to pull away without chatter, including reverse.

3. Oil leaks in the clutch area are a concern, friction material contamation.

4. Engine off, listen for noises in the release system, inspect pedal cluster.

5. Engine off, slowly push the pedal to the floor, judge the pedal effort. The release load gradually increases as the disc gets thinner, compare to a low mileage system.

6. Torque capacity. Basic test would be to drive it uphill in 5th for a 6 speed or 4th for a 5 speed at a speed that allows you to accelerate, then put your foot in it. In needed repeat test with a load.

Clutches don't know the difference between forward and reverse or any gear. If a problem is specific to a gear, it probally is not the clutch.

Send me a PM if you have any specific questions after inspecting the truck.

 

[BRayls]

1. Normal driveability, upshifting, downshifting and freely able to select gears.

2. Smooth engagement, able to pull away without chatter, including reverse.

3. Oil leaks in the clutch area are a concern, friction material contamation.

4. Engine off, listen for noises in the release system, inspect pedal cluster.

5. Engine off, slowly push the pedal to the floor, judge the pedal effort. The release load gradually increases as the disc gets thinner, compare to a low mileage system.

6. Torque capacity. Basic test would be to drive it uphill in 5th for a 6 speed or 4th for a 5 speed at a speed that allows you to accelerate, then put your foot in it. In needed repeat test with a load.

Clutches don't know the difference between forward and reverse or any gear. If a problem is specific to a gear, it probally is not the clutch.

Send me a PM if you have any specific questions after inspecting the truck.

how do you know?