Removal Of Clutch From Car; Series; Lubrication Of Clutch Release Bearing And Sleeve - Cadillac 1937 LaSalle VVI Information

C L U T C H
111
General Description
The clutches used on series 37-50, 60, 65, 70, 75
and 85 cars are a l l similar i n design although the
size of the driven disc varies according to the
particular requirements of the car in which they
are used. T h e sizes are given in the Specification
Table, page 116.
These clutches are of the semi-centrifugal,
single d r y plate, type. C o i l spring v i b r a t i o n
dampeners are used in the driven discs on series
37-50, 60, 65, 70 and 75 clutches. S m a l l centrifu-
gal weights are cast integral w i t h the c l u t c h release
levers to provide increased pedal pressure as the
engine speed increases, thus giving low pedal
pressure at low engine speeds and a m i n i m u m of
clutch slippage at high engine speeds.
A n exploded view of this type of clutch is shown
in P l a t e 46, F i g . 1.
The c l u t c h used on series 37-90 Cadillac V-16
cars is of the d r y disc type, but of a different
design than the clutches used on the other 37-
series cars. T h i s c l u t c h has three d r i v i n g plates
and two driven discs as shown in the illustration,
P l a t e 47, F i g . 5. T h e center d r i v i n g plate carries
four d r i v i n g studs which extend through both
the front and rear plates. T h e rear plate is a
part of the spring pressure plate assembly which
also includes the release mechanism. A four
point contact is made with the driving plate, and
a double-lever release mechanism is used to
insure uniform engagement of the clutch over the
entire surface of the facings.
The method of mounting the clutch on the
flywheel is as follows: Series 37-50, 60, 65, 70, 75
and 85 clutches are piloted on screws h a v i n g
close fitting shoulders extending into counterbores
in the flywheel. Series 37-90. clutches have the
center plate piloted b y four bosses.
Service Information
1. Clutch Pedal Adjustment
The free travel of the c l u t c h pedal on all 37-
series cars should be maintained at from % to
lj/g inches. T h e procedure for m a k i n g these
adjustments is shown in Plate 46.
2. Lubrication of Clutch Release Bearing
and Sleeve
The c l u t c h release bearing on series 37-50, 60,
65, 70 and-75 cars is a permanently sealed ball
bearing w h i c h does not require lubrication in
service.
In case a squeak should develop at the
c l u t c h release bearing, however, both the bearing
and the sleeve m a y be lubricated b y removing
the lower part of the flywheel housing, t a k i n g out
the lubrication plug in the c l u t c h release bearing
sleeve, installing a lubrication fitting and a p p l y i n g
wheel bearing grease to the assembly.
Note: Rotate bearing on sleeve when perform-
ing this operation, and always reinstall
lubrication plug after completing the job.
The construction of the clutch release bearing
and sleeve on series 37-85 cars is similar to that
of the V - 8 cars, excepting that an alemite fitting
is used in the clutch release bearing sleeve instead
of a plug. Also, the plug is reached through a
breather cover at the top of the bell housing
instead of through a bottom cover as on the V - 8
cars.
The c l u t c h release bearing on series 37-90
Cadillac V - 1 6 cars, is lubricated by turning d o w n
the grease cup on the end of the lubrication
extension on the right h a n d side of the c l u t c h
housing. T h i s cup should be turned d o w n and
refilled w i t h wheel bearing grease every 6,000
miles.
3. Removal of Clutch from Car
Series 37-50, 60, 65, 70, 75 and 85—
T h e procedure for removing the c l u t c h on the
37-series V - 8 and V - 1 2 cars is as follows:
1. Disconnect the front universal j o i n t and
remove the transmission as explained in N o t e 10,
Page 125.
2. R e m o v e the clutch housing pan.
Note: This step is unnecessary on series 37-85
Cadillac V-12 cars.
3. M a r k the flywheel and clutch pressure plate
assembly so that the parts can be reassembled in
the same position on the flywheel and thus retain
proper balance.
4. Loosen the six retaining screws that hold
the c l u t c h on the flywheel, a turn or two at a
time, u n t i l the spring pressure is released. ( T h i s
should be done carefully to prevent springing the
flanged edge of the cover plate).
5. R e m o v e the six retaining screws, the c l u t c h
assembly, and the driven disc from the flywheel.