Changing out a clutch - do I need to resurface flywheel?

[Wing Commander]

Hi all,

I am about to start my first ever clutch change. It's on my Saab 9000 and I have all the bits ready to go, so one more cup of tea and I am ready!

First question though is this:

Do I need to take the flywheel off and have it skimmed?

The only guide for the 9000 clutch says yes, but I really don't know if its just a "given" that every time you change the clutch, you have the flywheel resurfaced. Do I just take a look at it and make a judgement based on that?? If I don't have to, I would prefer not to. The reason being that I would have the car out of action for a good few days if I needed it, whereas I can have the car back on the road today if not.

Thanks in advance

[Tubb]

I normally just give it a quick rub over with some sandpaper.
Unless its been overheated or the clutch was slipping.

[TonyRPH]

If the clutch was fine (apart from needing a new clutch plate) beforehand then no.

If you were experiencing judder, then probably yes.

But generally, if the surface has a even shine across the surface then it's probably fine.

[jagracer]

It depends on the state of the flywheel when you look at it. It could be anything from leave it well alone to a new flywheel depending what happened with the clutch. Is it an ordinary solid flywheel or a dual mass pain in the backside needs to be renewed thingy?

[Wing Commander]

OK, I have stripped the box down and the clutch is out. The surface looks ok, no hotspots on the flywheel.

The reason for the strip down is I have had a faulty friction plate, which has shed a spring.

The surface was nice and shiny where the friction plate was working its magic, and quite dirty with clutch plate dust where nothing touches it. A quick clean and it was much better. There is one tiny little groove in the flywheel. Its not deep, and has smoothed down nicely. Its visiable but you can't really feel it when you run your finger over it.

Anyway, I think I am going to risk it. Other than this small groove which runs concentrically (ie the friction plate doesn't see any difference at any period of rotation), it is all nice and shiny with no visible hotspots. Suppose that makes sense, given that the clutch wasn't slipping or juddering when in action.

Thanks for the help guys!