Cleaning And Inspection; Cleaning Precautions; Clutch Contamination; Adjustments Clutch Cable - Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual

PL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
two hands in the pivot stud socket area. Pull with
even pressure and the lever will pop off the pivot-
–stud. Do not use a screwdriver or pry bar to pop off
the lever. This may damage the spring clip on the
lever.
(2) As a unit, remove the fork from the bearing
thrust plate. Be careful not to damage retention tabs
on bearing.
(3) Examine the condition of the bearing. It is
pre-lubricated and sealed and should not be
immersed in oil or solvent.
(4) The bearing should turn smoothly when held in
the hand under a light thrust load. A light drag
caused by the lubricant fill is normal. If the bearing
is noisy, rough, or dry, replace the complete bearing
assembly with a new bearing.
(5) Check the condition of the pivot stud spring
clips on back side of clutch fork. If the clips are bro-
ken or distorted, replace the clutch fork.
INSTALLATION
(1) The pivot ball pocket in the fork is Teflon
coated and should be installed WITHOUT any lubri-
cant such as grease. Using grease will break down
the Teflon coating. Be sure the ball stud and fork
pocket are clean of contamination and dirt.
(2) Assemble the fork to the bearing. The small
pegs on the bearing must go over the fork arms.
(3) Slide the bearing and fork assembly onto the
input shaft bearing retainer, as a unit.
(4) Snap the clutch fork onto the pivot ball.
(5) Reinstall transaxle assembly. Refer to Group
21, Transaxle for further information.

CLEANING AND INSPECTION

CLUTCH CONTAMINATION

Fluid contamination is a frequent cause of clutch
malfunctions. Oil, grease, water, or other fluids on
the clutch contact surfaces will cause faulty opera-
tion.
During inspection, note if any components are con-
taminated. Look for evidence of oil, grease, or water/
road splash on clutch components.
OIL CONTAMINATION
Oil contamination indicates a leak at the rear main
seal and/or transaxle input shaft. Oil leaks produce a
residue of oil on the transaxle housing interior, clutch
cover and flywheel. Heat buildup caused by slippage
can bake the oil residue onto the components. This
glaze-like residue ranges in color from amber to
black.
GREASE CONTAMINATION
Grease contamination is usually a product of over-
lubrication. During clutch service, apply only a small
amount of grease to the input shaft splines. Excess
grease may be thrown off during operation, contami-
nating the disc.
ROAD SPLASH/WATER CONTAMINATION
Road splash contamination is usually caused by
driving the vehicle through deep water puddles.
Water can be forced into the clutch housing, causing
clutch components to become contaminated. Facing of
disc will absorb moisture and bond to the flywheel
and/or, pressure plate, if vehicle is allowed to stand
for some time before use. If this condition occurs,
replacement of clutch assembly may be required.
Drive the vehicle until normal clutch operating tem-
perature has been obtained. This will dry off disc
assembly, pressure plate, and flywheel.

CLEANING PRECAUTIONS

Condensation from steam vapors tend to accumu-
late on the internal clutch mechanism when the vehi-
cle is steam cleaned. Facing of disc will absorb
moisture and will bond to flywheel and/or pressure
plate, if vehicle is allowed to stand for some time
before use. If this condition occurs, it may require
replacement of clutch assembly. After cleaning, drive
the vehicle to its normal clutch operating tempera-
ture. This will dry off disc assembly, pressure plate,
and flywheel.
ADJUSTMENTS
CLUTCH CABLE
The manual transaxle clutch release system has a
unique self-adjusting mechanism to compensate for
clutch disc wear (Fig. 10). This adjuster mechanism
is located within the clutch cable assembly. The pre-
load spring maintains tension on the cable. This ten-
sion keeps the clutch release bearing continuously
loaded against the fingers of the clutch cover assem-
bly.
ADJUSTER MECHANISM FUNCTION CHECK
(1) With slight pressure, pull the clutch release
lever end of the cable to draw the cable taut. Push
the clutch cable housing toward the dash panel. With
less than 25 lbs. of effort the cable housing should
move 30-50mm. This indicates proper adjuster mech-
anism function. If the cable does not adjust, deter-
mine if the mechanism is properly seated on the
bracket.
(2) If the adjust mechanism functions properly,
guide the cable through the slot in the transaxle
CLUTCH 6 - 11