Access to the clutch components is normally accomplished by removing the transaxle while leaving the engine in the vehicle. If the engine is being removed for a major overhaul, check the clutch for wear and replace worn components as necessary. Begin by removing the left side under-dash hush panel and disconnecting the clutch master cylinder pushrod from the clutch pedal. Next, remove the release bearing. To support the clutch disc during removal, install a clutch alignment tool through the splined hole. Check the pressure plate and flywheel for indexing marks, which are usually an X, an O, or some other white letter; if no marks are visible, make some with a scribe or center punch and hammer to ensure proper installation. Loosen the pressure plate-to-flywheel bolts in 1/4-turn increments until they can be removed by hand, following a criss-cross pattern to avoid warping the pressure plate assembly. Support the pressure plate, completely remove the bolts, and then detach the pressure plate and clutch disc. When inspecting the clutch, note that problems often stem from wear of the clutch driven plate assembly, but all components should be inspected. If the clutch components are contaminated with oil, shiny, black glazed spots will appear on the clutch disc lining, causing the clutch to slip; replacing the clutch components won't resolve the issue without checking for leaks in the rear crankshaft oil seal and the transaxle input shaft seal. Inspect the flywheel for cracks, heat checking, grooves, and other defects; slight imperfections can be machined flat and smooth. Check the lining on the clutch disc for at least 1/16-inch above the rivet heads, and look for loose rivets, distortion, cracks, broken springs, and other damage. The release bearing is typically replaced along with the clutch disc. Inspect the diaphragm spring fingers and the machined surfaces of the pressure plate for scoring and damage; if the surface is grooved or damaged, it may require machining or replacement. Clean the flywheel and pressure plate machined surfaces with lacquer thinner or acetone before installation, ensuring no oil or grease is present. Position the clutch disc and pressure plate against the flywheel, using an alignment tool to hold the clutch plate in place, and ensure proper installation. Tighten the pressure plate-to-flywheel bolts only finger tight, working around the pressure plate. Center the clutch disc by inserting the alignment tool through the splined hub and into the bore in the crankshaft, adjusting as needed to center the clutch. Tighten the pressure plate-to-flywheel bolts gradually in a criss-cross pattern to prevent distortion, and then remove the alignment tool. Lubricate the inner groove of the release bearing and the fork fingers with high-temperature grease, install the clutch release bearing, and then reinstall the transaxle, slave cylinder, and all previously removed components. Finally, adjust the shift linkage as necessary.
Posted by GMPartsGiant Specialist 
