clutch DODGE RAM 2001 Service Service Manual

WARNING
WARNING:: EXERCISE CARE WHEN SERVICING
CLUTCH COMPONENTS. FACTORY INSTALLED
CLUTCH DISCS DO NOT CONTAIN ASBESTOS
FIBERS. DUST AND DIRT ON CLUTCH PARTS MAY
CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS FROM AFTERMAR-
KET COMPONENTS. BREATHING EXCESSIVE CON-
CENTRATIONS OF THESE FIBERS CAN CAUSE
SERIOUS BODILY HARM. WEAR A RESPIRATOR
DURING SERVICE AND NEVER CLEAN CLUTCH
COMPONENTS WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR WITH
A DRY BRUSH. EITHER CLEAN THE COMPONENTS
WITH A WATER DAMPENED RAGS OR USE A VAC-
UUM CLEANER SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR
REMOVING ASBESTOS FIBERS AND DUST. DO NOT
CREATE DUST BY SANDING A CLUTCH DISC.
REPLACE THE DISC IF THE FRICTION MATERIAL IS
DAMAGED OR CONTAMINATED. DISPOSE OF ALL
DUST AND DIRT CONTAINING ASBESTOS FIBERS
IN SEALED BAGS OR CONTAINERS. THIS WILL
HELP MINIMIZE EXPOSURE TO YOURSELF AND TO
OTHERS. FOLLOW ALL RECOMMENDED SAFETY
PRACTICES PRESCRIBED BY THE OCCUPATIONAL
SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA)
AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY AGENCY
(EPA), FOR THE HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF
PRODUCTS CONTAINING ASBESTOS.
DIAGNOSTIC AND TESTING - CLUTCH
A road test and component inspection (Fig. 3) is
recommended to determine a clutch problem.
During a road test, drive the vehicle at normal
speeds. Shift the transmission through all gear
ranges and observe clutch action. If the clutch chat-
ters, grabs, slips or does not release properly, remove
and inspect the clutch components. If the problem is
noise or hard shifting, further diagnosis may be
needed as the transmission or another driveline com-
ponent may be at fault.
CLUTCH CONTAMINATION
Fluid contamination is a frequent cause of clutch
malfunctions. Oil, water or clutch fluid on the clutch
disc and pressure plate surfaces will cause chatter,
slip and grab.
During inspection, note if any components are con-
taminated with oil, hydraulic fluid or water/road
splash.
Fig. 1 Engine Powerflow
Fig. 2 Clutch Operation
1 - FLYWHEEL
2 - PRESSURE PLATE FINGERS
3 - PIVOT POINT
4 - RELEASE BEARING PUSHED IN
5 - CLUTCH DISC ENGAGED
6 - CLUTCH DISC ENGAGED
7 - RELEASE BEARING
6 - 2 CLUTCHBR/BE
CLUTCH (Continued)

Fig. 3 Clutch Components And Inspection
BR/BECLUTCH 6 - 3
CLUTCH (Continued)

Oil contamination indicates a leak at either the
rear main seal or transmission input shaft. Oil leak-
age produces a residue of oil on the housing interior
and on the clutch cover and flywheel. Heat buildup
caused by slippage between the cover, disc and fly-
wheel, can sometimes bake the oil residue onto the
components. The glaze-like residue ranges in color
from amber to black.
Road splash contamination means dirt/water is
entering the clutch housing due to loose bolts, hous-
ing cracks or through hydraulic line openings. Driv-
ing through deep water puddles can force water/road
splash into the housing through such openings.
Clutch fluid leaks are usually from damaged slave
cylinder push rod seals.
IMPROPER RELEASE OR CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT
Clutch release or engagement problems are caused
by wear or damage to one or more clutch compo-
nents. A visual inspection of the release components
will usually reveal the problem part.
Release problems can result in hard shifting and
noise. Items to look for are: leaks at the clutch cylin-
ders and interconnecting line; loose slave cylinder
bolts; worn/loose release fork and pivot stud; dam-
aged release bearing; and a worn clutch disc, or pres-
sure plate.
Normal condensation in vehicles that are stored or
out of service for long periods of time can generate
enough corrosion to make the disc stick to the fly-
wheel, or pressure plate. If this condition is experi-
enced, correction only requires that the disc be
loosened manually through the inspection plate open-
ing.
Engagement problems usually result in slip, chat-
ter/shudder, and noisy operation. The primary causes
are clutch disc contamination; clutch disc wear; mis-
alignment, or distortion; flywheel damage; or a com-
bination of the foregoing. A visual inspection is
required to determine the part actually causing the
problem.
CLUTCH MISALIGNMENT
Clutch components must be in proper alignment
with the crankshaft and transmission input shaft.
Misalignment caused by excessive runout or warpage
of any clutch component will cause grab, chatter and
improper clutch release.
CLUTCH COVER AND DISC RUNOUT
Check the clutch disc before installation. Axial
(face) runout of anewdisc should not exceed 0.50
mm (0.020 in.). Measure runout about 6 mm (1/4 in.)
from the outer edge of the disc facing. Obtain
another disc if runout is excessive.Check condition of the clutch before installation. A
warped cover or diaphragm spring will cause grab
and incomplete release or engagement. Be careful
when handling the cover and disc. Impact can distort
the cover, diaphragm spring, release fingers and the
hub of the clutch disc.
Use an alignment tool when positioning the disc on
the flywheel. The tool prevents accidental misalign-
ment which could result in cover distortion and disc
damage.
A frequent cause of clutch cover distortion (and con-
sequent misalignment) is improper bolt tightening.
CLUTCH FLYWHEEL RUNOUT
Check flywheel runout whenever misalignment is
suspected. Flywheel runout should not exceed 0.08
mm (0.003 in.). Measure runout at the outer edge of
the flywheel face with a dial indicator. Mount the
indicator on the rear face of the engine block.
Common causes of runout are:
²heat warpage
²improper machining
²incorrect bolt tightening
²improper seating on crankshaft flange shoulder
²foreign material on crankshaft flange
Flywheel machining is not recommended. The fly-
wheel clutch surface is machined to a unique contour
and machining will negate this feature. However,
minor flywheel scoring can be cleaned up by hand with
180 grit emery, or with surface grinding equipment.
Remove only enough material to reduce scoring
(approximately 0.001 - 0.003 in.). Heavy stock removal
isnot recommended.
Replace the flywheel if scoring
is severe and deeper than 0.076 mm (0.003 in.).
Excessive stock removal can result in flywheel crack-
ing or warpage after installation; it can also weaken
the flywheel and interfere with proper clutch release.
Clean the crankshaft flange before mounting the
flywheel. Dirt and grease on the flange surface may
cock the flywheel causing excessive runout. Use new
bolts when remounting a flywheel and secure the
bolts with MopartLock And Seal. Tighten flywheel
bolts to specified torque only. Overtightening can dis-
tort the flywheel hub causing runout.
DIAGNOSIS CHART
The clutch inspection chart (Fig. 3) outlines items to
be checked before and during clutch installation. Use
the chart as a check list to help avoid overlooking
potential problem sources during service operations.
The diagnosis charts describe common clutch prob-
lems, causes and correction. Fault conditions are listed
at the top of each chart. Conditions, causes and correc-
tive action are outlined in the indicated columns.
The charts are provided as a convenient reference
when diagnosing faulty clutch operation.
6 - 4 CLUTCHBR/BE
CLUTCH (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Disc facing worn out 1. Normal wear. 1. Replace cover and disc.
2. Driver frequently rides (slips) the
clutch. Results in rapid overheating
and wear.2. Replace cover and disc.
3. Insufficient clutch cover
diaphragm spring tension.3. Replace cover and disc.
Clutch disc facing contaminated with
oil, grease, or clutch fluid.1. Leak at rear main engine seal or
transmission input shaft seal.1. Replace appropriate seal.
2. Excessive amount of grease
applied to the input shaft splines.2. Remove grease and apply the
correct amount of grease.
3. Road splash, water entering
housing.3. Replace clutch disc. Clean clutch
cover and reuse if in good condition.
4. Slave cylinder leaking. 4. Replace hydraulic clutch linkage.
Clutch is running partially
disengaged.1. Release bearing sticking or
binding and does not return to the
normal running position.1. Verify failure. Replace the release
bearing and transmission front
bearing retainer as necessary.
Flywheel below minimum thickness
specification.1. Improper flywheel machining.
Flywheel has excessive taper or
excessive material removal.1. Replace flywheel.
Clutch disc, cover and/or diaphragm
spring warped or distorted.1. Rough handling. Impact bent
cover, spring, or disc.1. Replace disc or cover as
necessary.
2. Improper bolt tightening
procedure.2. Tighten clutch cover using proper
procedure.
Facing on flywheel side of disc torn,
gouged, or worn.1. Flywheel surface scored or
nicked.2. Correct surface condition if
possible. Replace flywheel and disc
as necessary.
2. Clutch disc sticking or binding on
transmission input shaft.2. Inspect components and
correct/replace as necessary.
Clutch disc facing burnt. Flywheel
and cover pressure plate surfaces
heavily glazed.1. Frequent operation under high
loads or hard acceleration
conditions.1. Correct condition of flywheel and
pressure plate surface. Replace
clutch cover and disc. Alert driver to
problem cause.
2. Driver frequently rides (slips)
clutch. Results in rapid wear and
overheating of disc and cover.2. Correct condition of flywheel and
pressure plate surface. Replace
clutch cover and disc. Alert driver to
problem cause.
BR/BECLUTCH 6 - 5
CLUTCH (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Clutch disc binds on input shaft
splines.1. Clutch disc hub splines damaged
during installation.1. Clean, smooth, and lubricate hub
splines if possible. Replace disc if
necessary.
2. Input shaft splines rough,
damaged, or corroded.2. Clean, smooth, and lubricate
shaft splines if possible. Replace
input shaft if necessary.
Clutch disc rusted to flywheel and/or
pressure plate.1. Clutch not used for and extended
period of time (e.g. long term
vehicle storage).1. Sand rusted surfaces with 180
grit sanding paper. Replace clutch
cover and flywheel if necessary.
Pilot bearing seized, loose, or rollers
are worn.1. Bearing cocked during
installation.1. Install and lubricate a new
bearing.
2. Bearing defective. 2. Install and lubricate a new
bearing.
3. Bearing not lubricated. 3. Install and lubricate a new
bearing.
4. Clutch misalignment. 4. Inspect clutch and correct as
necessary. Install and lubricate a
new bearing.
Clutch will not disengage properly. 1. Low clutch fluid level. 1. Replace hydraulic linkage
assembly.
2. Clutch cover loose. 2. Follow proper bolt tightening
procedure.
3. Clutch disc bent or distorted. 3. Replace clutch disc.
4. Clutch cover diaphragm spring
bent or warped.4. Replace clutch cover.
5. Clutch disc installed backwards. 5. Remove and install clutch disc
correctly.
6. Release fork bent or fork pivot
loose or damaged.6. Replace fork or pivot as
necessary.
7. Clutch master or slave cylinder
failure.7. Replace hydraulic linkage
assembly.
Clutch pedal squeak. 1. Pivot pin loose. 1. Tighten pivot pin if possible.
Replace clutch pedal if necessary.
2. Master cylinder bushing not
lubricated.2. Lubricate master cylinder
bushing.
3. Pedal bushings worn out or
cracked.3. Replace and lubricate bushings.
Clutch master or slave cylinder
plunger dragging andùr binding1. Master or slave cylinder
components worn or corroded.1. Replace clutch hydraulic linkage
assembly.
Release bearing is noisy. 1. Release bearing defective or
damaged.1. Replace release bearing.
6 - 6 CLUTCHBR/BE
CLUTCH (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Contact surface of release bearing
damaged.1. Clutch cover incorrect or release
fingers bent or distorted.1. Replace clutch cover and release
bearing.
2. Release bearing defective or
damaged.2. Replace the release bearing.
3. Release bearing misaligned. 3. Check and correct runout of
clutch components. Check front
bearing sleeve for damage/
alignment. Repair as necessary.
Partial engagement of clutch disc.
One side of disc is worn and the
other side is glazed and lightly
worn.1. Clutch pressure plate position
incorrect.1. Replace clutch disc and cover.
2. Clutch cover, spring, or release
fingers bent or distorted.2. Replace clutch disc and cover.
3. Clutch disc damaged or
distorted.2. Replace clutch disc.
4. Clutch misalignment. 4. Check alignment and runout of
flywheel, disc, pressure plate, andùr
clutch housing. Correct as
necessary.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - CLUTCH
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Nut, slave cylinder 19-26 14-19 170-230
Bolt, clutch cover-5/16 in. 23 17 -
Bolt, clutch cover-3/8 in. 41 30 -
Pivot, release bearing 23 17 -
Screw, fluid reservoir 5 - 40
CLUTCH DISC
DESCRIPTION
The clutch disc friction material is riveted to the
disc hub. The hub bore is splined for installation on
the transmission input shaft. The clutch disc has
cushion springs in the disc hub to dampen disc vibra-
tions during application and release of the clutch.
Various size and design of clutches are used for the
different engine transmission combinations. The cur-
rently used clutches and applications are listed
below.A 281 mm (11 in.) diameter clutch disc is used with
a 3.9L, 5.2L, or 5.9L gas engines (Fig. 4) and (Fig. 5).
A 312.5 mm (12.3 in.) diameter clutch disc is used
with diesel and V10 engines and (Fig. 6).
All the discs have damper springs in the hub. The
281 mm discs have four springs, the 312.5 mm diesel/
V10 disc has nine springs. The damper springs pro-
vide smoother torque transfer and disc engagement.
BR/BECLUTCH 6 - 7
CLUTCH (Continued)

OPERATION
The clutch disc is held onto the surface of the fly-
wheel by the force exerted by the pressure plate's
diaphragm spring. The friction material of the clutch
disc then transfers the engine torque from the fly-
wheel and pressure plate to the input shaft of the
transmission.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Support engine with wood block and adjustable
jack stand (Fig. 7). Supporting engine is necessary to
avoid undue strain on engine mounts.
(3) Remove transmission and transfer case, if
equipped. Refer to Group 21, Transmission and
Transfer Case, for proper procedures.
(4) If clutch cover will be reused, mark position of
cover on flywheel with paint or scriber (Fig. 8).
(5) Insert clutch alignment tool in clutch disc and
into pilot bushing. Tool will hold disc in place when
cover bolts are removed.
(6) If clutch cover will be reused, loosen cover bolts
evenly, only few threads at a time, and in a diagonal
pattern (Fig. 9). This relieves cover spring tension
evenly to avoid warping.
(7) Remove cover bolts completely and remove
cover, disc and alignment tool.
Fig. 4 Clutch Disc-V6 Engine
1 - FACING MATERIAL
2 - DAMPER SPRINGS (4)
3 - 281 mm (11 in.)
4 - HUB
Fig. 5 Clutch Disc-V8 Engine
1 - FACING MATERIAL
2 - DAMPER SPRINGS (4)
3 - 281 mm (11 in.)
4 - HUB
Fig. 6 Clutch Disc-V10/Diesel Engines
1 - FACING MATERIAL
2 - DAMPER SPRINGS (9)
3 - 312.5 mm (12.3 IN)
4 - HUB
6 - 8 CLUTCHBR/BE
CLUTCH DISC (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Check runout and free operation of new clutch
disc.
(2) Insert clutch alignment tool in clutch disc hub.
(3) Verify that disc hub is positioned correctly. The
raised side of hub is installed away from the fly-
wheel.
(4) Insert alignment tool in pilot bearing and posi-
tion disc on flywheel surface (Fig. 10).(5) Position clutch cover over disc and onto fly-
wheel (Fig. 10).
(6) Align and hold clutch cover in position and
install cover bolts finger tight.
(7) Tighten cover bolts evenly and a few threads at
a time. Cover bolts must be tightened evenly and to
specified torque to avoid distorting cover.
(8) Tighten clutch cover bolts to following:
²5/16 in. diameter bolts to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
²3/8 in. diameter bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 7 Supporting Engine With Jack Stand And
Wood BlockÐDiesel Model Shown
1 - WOOD BLOCK
2 - ADJUSTABLE JACK STAND
Fig. 8 Marking Clutch Cover Position
1 - FLYWHEEL
2 - ALIGNMENT MARKS (SCRIBE OR PAINT)
3 - CLUTCH COVER
Fig. 9 Clutch Cover Bolt Loosening/Tightening
Pattern
Fig. 10 Clutch Disc And Cover Alignment/
Installation
1 - FLYWHEEL
2 - CLUTCH COVER AND DISC
3 - CLUTCH DISC ALIGNMENT TOOL
BR/BECLUTCH 6 - 9
CLUTCH DISC (Continued)

(9) Remove release lever and release bearing from
clutch housing. Apply Moparthigh temperature
bearing grease to bore of release bearing, release
lever contact surfaces and release lever pivot stud
(Fig. 11).
(10) Apply light coat of Moparthigh temperature
bearing grease to splines of transmission input shaft
(or drive gear) and to release bearing slide surface of
the transmission front bearing retainer (Fig. 12). Do
not over lubricate shaft splines. This can result in
grease contamination of disc.(11) Install release lever and bearing in clutch
housing. Be sure spring clips that retain fork on
pivot ball and release bearing on fork are properly
installed (Fig. 13). Also verify that the release lever
is installed properly. When the release lever is
installed correctly, the lever part number will be
toward the bottom of the transmission and right side
up. There is also a stamped ªIº in the lever which
goes to the pivot ball side of the transmission.
(12)
Install transmission. Refer to Group 21, Trans-
mission and Transfer Case, for proper procedures.
(13) Check fluid level in clutch master cylinder.
Fig. 11 Clutch Release Component Lubrication
Points
1 - CLUTCH HOUSING
2 - COAT RELEASE FORK PIVOT BALL STUD WITH HIGH TEMP.
GREASE
3 - RELEASE FORK
4 - APPLY LIGHT COAT HIGH TEMP. GREASE TO RELEASE
BEARING BORE
5 - LUBE POINTS (HIGH TEMP. GREASE)
Fig. 12 Input Shaft Lubrication Points
1 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - BEARING RETAINER
3 - APPLY LIGHT COAT OF HIÐTEMP GREASE TO THESE
SURFACES BEFORE INSTALLATION
Fig. 13 Release Fork And Bearing Spring Clip
Position
1 - FORK
2 - SPRING CLIP
3 - BEARING
4 - SPRING CLIP
6 - 10 CLUTCHBR/BE
CLUTCH DISC (Continued)

CLUTCH HOUSING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH HOUSING
Clutch housing alignment is important to proper
clutch operation. The housing maintains alignment
between the crankshaft and transmission input
shaft. Misalignment can cause clutch noise, hard
shifting, incomplete release and chatter. It can also
result in premature wear of the pilot bearing, cover
release fingers and clutch disc. In severe cases, mis-
alignment can also cause premature wear of the
transmission input shaft and front bearing.
Housing misalignment is generally caused by
incorrect seating on the engine or transmission, loose
housing bolts, missing alignment dowels, or housing
damage. Infrequently, misalignment may also be
caused by housing mounting surfaces that are not
completely parallel. Misalignment can be corrected
with shims.
CHECKING RUNOUT
Only the NV4500 clutch housing can be
checked using the following bore and face
runout procedures. The NV3500 and NV5600
clutch housings are an integral part of the
transmission and can only be checked off the
vehicle.
MEASURING CLUTCH HOUSING BORE RUNOUT
(1) Remove the clutch housing and strut.
(2) Remove the clutch cover and disc.
(3) Replace one of the flywheel bolts with an
appropriate size threaded rod that is 10 in. (25.4 cm)
long (Fig. 14). The rod will be used to mount the dial
indicator.(4) Remove the release fork from the clutch hous-
ing.
(5) Reinstall the clutch housing. Tighten the hous-
ing bolts nearest the alignment dowels first.
(6) Mount the dial indicator on the threaded rod
and position the indicator plunger on the surface of
the clutch housing bore (Fig. 15).
(7) Rotate the crankshaft until the indicator
plunger is at the top center of the housing bore. Zero
the indicator at this point.
(8) Rotate the crankshaft and record the indicator
readings at eight points (45É apart) around the bore
(Fig. 15). Repeat the measurement at least twice for
accuracy.
(9) Subtract each reading from the one 180É oppo-
site to determine magnitude and direction of runout.
Refer to (Fig. 16) and following example.
Bore runout example:
0.000 ± (±0.007) = 0.007 in.
+0.002 ± (±0.010) = 0.012 in.
+0.004 ± (±0.005) = 0.009 in.
±0.001 ± (+0.001) = ±0.002 in. (= 0.002 inch)
In the above example, the largest difference is
0.012 in. and is called the total indicator reading
(TIR). This means that the housing bore is offset
from the crankshaft centerline by 0.006 in. (which is
1/2 of 0.012 in.).
Fig. 14 Dial Indicator Mounting Stud Or Rod
1 - 7/16 - 20 THREAD
2 - NUT
3 - STUD OR THREADED ROD
4 - 10 INCHES LONG
Fig. 15 Checking Clutch Housing Bore Runout
1 - MOUNTING STUD OR ROD
2 - DIAL INDICATOR
3 - INDICATOR PLUNGER
4 - CLUTCH HOUSING BORE
BR/BECLUTCH 6 - 11