Sh*t. Is my clutch knackered?? Speed responses appreciated..

[curlie467]

1. I don't think you can always tell whether OEM or aftermarket just by a visual inspection.

2. It could possibly add to the stiff feeling.

3. Its a very common and normal way of locking a nut on.

4. Use a stanley knife blade on its own and scrape off. Push away from you on a very close angle to the surface.


Before you mess about with the gaskets etc, bolt up the new parts and put the cover on and pull the clutch, you will soon notice if it feels stiffer.

[Jazoli]

The pressure plate does look a little bit knackered but everything else looks fine, try the new springs, and see what its like, its not a big job to pull apart again and fit a new pressure plate if needed, also check the cable routing very carefully

[Mr2Mike]

The nut was punched like that at the Suzuki factory, in order to prevent it undoing. If you ever have to remove an outer CV joint from a car hub, the nuts are locked in exactly the same way.

The pressure plate doesn't look ideal, this might be making the clutch heavier if the springs are locking into the grooves, but I doubt it's very significant. I'd be tempted to remove any sharp edges on the grooves with e.g. a sanding drum on a dremel, but don't try to sand out the grooves entirely otherwise you'll weaken it.

As said, use a scraper to remove the gasket, but be extremely careful not to gouge the gasket surfaces of the cover/crankcase. A Stanely blade can be use with extreme care, but is definitely not the ideal tool for this. A proper gasket scraper doesn't have an acute 'knife' edge, so the chances of it digging in are negligible.

Edited by Mr2Mike on Saturday 18th April 15:42

[tr7v8]

I have a selection of old wood chisels I use for removing old gaskets & sealant. Use it upside down (opposite way you'd chisel wood) & gently you won't damage alloy. Brake cleaner also helps clean it up.