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Hydraulic throwout bearing??

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900 views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  stump_breaker  
5
#1 ·
Picked up two friends in Hoboken, New Jersey, who wanted rides to destinations in upstate New York. It was on my way to my weekend retreat in the mountains. Somewhere in Hoboken, I get a spongey clutch pedal, and it gets harder and harder to shift gears. I pull into a parking space, open the hood, and find the clutch reservoir empty. I knew there was a NAPA in the neighborhood, so I picked up some Dot3 break fluid. One of my friends filled the reservoir, the other pumped the clutch pedal, and I was laying under the XJ with my favorite t-shirt on. The fluid poured out between the clutch housing and spacer plate. Now lets cut to the gararge I was towed to.
After a fifteen minute discussion with the mechanic, I convinced him it was the hydraulic throwout bearing's rubber diaphram that failed. He wont get around to checking it until monday (today's friday). Did I make the right diagnosis? He seems to think that pulling the engine will be easier than dropping the tranny. (??????) What do you'all think?
 
G
#2 ·
Slave cylinder has failed. It is inside the tranny unlike some imports (like Toyota) which attach them in an easily serviced position on the outside of the tranny. Tranny must be pulled to service the slave and unless the clutch, pressure plate, throwout and pilot bearings are brand new or damned near new, you might as well replace them too. Cost of the additional clutch assy parts will be negligible compared to the labor (x2 if you don't get it done now and they fail later....).
It's a job. That tranny is a big ass unit (relatively speaking) but it is not beyond the realm of DIY IF you have some decent tools and equipment.
 
5
#3 ·
Cant do the job myself, its illegal to do heavy duty car repair here in a city street. Im trying to make the mechanic aware that I know what the problem is, so he dosnt get any ideas about ripping me off. Im going to visit the gararge to view the clutch and pressure plate, and then decide for myself on replacing them. Is it worth going to a heavy duty clutch since I dont do any towing?
 
G
#6 ·
Hard to say about the H/D clutch. You're probably talkin aftermarket parts. It's anybody's guess as to what "Joe Blow Taiwan parts manufacturer" calls H/D....go with a name brand or OEM. When you're payin labor to have it installed it pays to go with the good stuff.
BTW, I don't like to change tires on the street, I wouldn't do a car repair on the street even it was legal....
 
#7 ·
As far as the heavy duty, better have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Do a Google search to determine a good HD clutch to put in and what exactly makes it HD. A reputable 4WD place should be able to answer any questions.

Make sure your mechanic blows out the line going from your master to your slave cylinder. Pieces of old seal could be in there. Also, be double sure of the type of fluid that goes in. The wrong fluid can cause the seals to swell and blow out all over again. I'm with John, replace everything with good stuff while you're in there. Transmission troubles SUCK!
 
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