Technical What lube on clutch release/input shaft?

[shaun200765]

As above really.

I'm just about to swap my clutch over on my Mk2 8V and although I know you can get the spline grease in little sachets, I've been seriously considering using a graphite based lube on the input shaft and on the new release bearing to try and help with wear and smoothness.

Obviously I will be mindful of whatever I use being flung onto the clutch friction plate but maybe a nice graphite grease is the way to go?

Wondered if you guys had any thoughts on this?

Thanks as ever

 

[DaveMcT]

There really should be no need for any grease as the driven plate only moves as the clutch wears. There's also the issue of debris getting into the grease an making grinding paste. TBH I would keep it clean and dont use any grease on the GB input shaft.

If that input shaft is wobbly, its a sign the bearing is failing and should be replaced. When it fails the seal will leak and the gears inside wont be aligned properly.

 

[shaun200765]

Thanks WhiteSei

 

[DaveMcT]

Thanks.

What do other's think?

 

[ST60SX]

The bell housing assembly should be completely clear of grease, oils and ideally dust.

Grease on the splines? Why? The splines are permanently engaged with the friction plate. It might move 0.01mm when you disengage the clutch (as the plate is more free to move a tiny bit), but nothing you would notice and this is definitely not something that would ever wear.

Grease on the face of the bearing; No. This will be scraped off by the clutch fingers the minute you disengage the clutch for the first time. Probably splattering it everywhere.

Grease on the inside of the bearing seems like a good idea but again, the internal diameter isn't something that normally wears as it bears no load.


When the new clutch is assembled, try and move the clutch release arm by hand, it will be hella stiff. The amount of force generated by the slave cylinder will overcome the tiny imperfections in the input shaft sleeve and the bearing, it won't even flinch and you certainly won't notice it through the pedal

I just did the clutch on my mk1 and it feels perfectly smooth without all that crap on. Don't get clever!

 

[DaveMcT]

Hi jacking the thread (just a bit).

My HGT clutch was done by a local garage last year along with a new slave cylinder. parts were all from S4P and supplied by me. The issue is that my clutch still only fully releases very close to the floor. I've bled it & no change

Do you think the clutch operating lever could have been bent?

 

[shaun200765]

Dont get Clever! You've a way with words there pal.