Flywheel resurface necessary?

[charsmith]

Hi all, I'm newish here. I've been nursing the clutch on my 91 I4 for about a year and a half and I've decided to replace it during my manternity leave (my wife's due any minute now!). Do you have to resurface the flywheel when you replace the clutch? Is it best to replace the flywheel too? Any special tools required? Thanks for any help!

[atobe]

you could if it's warped but if not then just leave it alone... would be best for a shop to do it if needed not something you can do yourself

[charsmith]

So the surface is generally ok then? I don't get any chattering or pulsing, just good old fashioned slippage.

[71Corolla]

Considering the labour involved in replacing the clutch, always resurface they flywheel. It is not that expensive and will ensure the new parts last and work correctly.

Make sure you replace both bearings as well. For the pilot bearing, you will need some type of puller most likely.

[edit] and don't forget to get brake cleaner to clean off the flywheel before assembly. BTW, unless the flywheel has cracks in it (it might) it can most often be resurfaced.

[toyomoho]

This issue is if surface of the flywheel where the clutch plate rides is glazed, has hard spots from heat or is warped. If it is not a big deal to take the flywheel in to a shop for resurfacing, do it. It will pay off in better clutch operation and life. Otherwise you can try to break any glaze with sand paper.

[Kep]

Of course, if this is your only vehicle you are going to be in a world of hurt when your wife finds out that she can't get to the hospital until you fix the car! :-)

By the way, congratulations.

Kep

[charsmith]

Thanks everyone! I'll plan on resurfacing it while I've got things apart (I assume this is just done on a lathe).

I appreciate all your help!

[toyomoho]

Find a shop that can grind the surface (the prefered method). If the flywheel has a step (not completely flat) make sure they grind both surfaces by an equal amount.