Hi Scotty,
A friend took his Renegade to the local dealership. $5000.00 for a clutch, $2300.00 to diagnose to see if it is a slave cylinder. I told him to pick it up, and I will install the clutch, and or slave cylinder. I was angry that they would so blatantly cheat people. Are there any tips , or tricks you know about for disassembly on these junkers? I have 8 years as a line mechanic for Ford, and 15 years teaching engine maintenance and repair at the local high school. Thanks for any help, Tom
If you're going to replace it, replace everything - clutch disc, pressure plate, throw out bearing and pilot bearing. Check the clutch slave cylinder for smooth operation. Get the flywheel resurfaced if it looks burnt or cracked. Tighten down the pressure in stages to the proper torque. Lubricate the clutch arm pivot joint liberally. If you get the flywheel resurfaced, make sure to use Blue Locktite and torque to specifications. Most clutch kits come with a centering tool to line up the splines of the trans input shaft and clutch disc. If you can't get the old pilot bearing out, pack it full of grease, get a metal rod a little smaller than the input diameter, cover the bearing with a rag and smack the rod with a hammer. The hydraulic pressure will pop the bearing right out.
Found a mechanic who went through the program where I taught. He will do it for 600 dollars plus parts. Less than half of the dealership. Dealership wanted 3,100 for labor on a 10 hour job. I need that kind of income. One ten hour day a week for 3,100 dollars.