"Setting" a Self-adjusting Clutch

[button_pusher]

Midway through a manual swap (2007, 4.0 FX4), and just started installing stuff (woohoo!) but have run into an issue (boo). I have a self-adjusting clutch from Rock Auto, and have to "set" the adjusting ring before it can be installed. Problem is, every video or thread I read makes it sound pretty easy, but I've been having a helluva time. I am pushing down on the clutch plate fingers via a bottle-jack on top of an old throw-out bearing. However, no matter how much I press, the adjusting ring doesn't ever seem to release enough for me to tension the springs, but it will ratchet over, shifting the whole adjuster plate over to the point where I'm concerned that it will pop off and become loose.

Here's my press setup (this is just roughed up, the jack was perfectly centered) And here's the springs at the edge of oblivion, with me pointing to the shifted adjustment ring.

Any thoughts? I'm tempted to buy another clutch plate, but it'll cost me around 300 bucks and I'm not sure if it'll be compatible with the rest of my clutch components.

 

[franklin2]

Have you seen this video?

There is no need to "set" the clutch. You only need to "reset" the clutch if it got out of adjustment in shipping. This video shows how the little springs are pushed back to a home position. Once you install it, and use it for the first time, it will set itself automatically. And automatically do that for the life of the clutch.

See if you have instructions with your clutch, and if it shows the position of the set feature from the factory. Then you can see if your clutch is ok, or if it got accidentally tripped in shipping.

 

[button_pusher]

Well, I did it. Absolutely sucked and took me about five hours from yesterday till today, I had to ziptie the springs back and then leverage the ring with a long screwdriver while also pushing down on the ring itself, it always seemed to pick one spot to bind up. I can't speak for the Lux clutch plate but both the service manual and the kit I purchased both instructed me to fully reset it. Here's the service manual section I was referencing, and when I'm back at the truck I'll take a photo of the kit's instructions.

Once you install it, and use it for the first time, it will set itself automatically.

So it sounds like either way I should be fine? Either I reset it when I didn't need to and it will readjust, or the manual was correct and I'm all set.

 

[franklin2]

It must not be set from the factory like I thought. Sounds like another "great idea" some engineer had. These things worked fine for years without all this aggravation.

 

[bobbywalter]

i just use a bar that i do clutch baskets with for automatic transmissions.


but running a complete normal setup is preferred over those turds.


or i just step on it with a block of wood and turn it back when i am not near those tools.

pia...but usually only takes a few seconds.

 

[bobbywalter]

kind of like this...

IRONMAX Auto Transmission Clutch Spring Compressor Removing Installing Tool Kit | eBay

Material:A3 steel Product weight:4.82lbs Overall length:10.

www.ebay.com

 

[bobbywalter]

or a long bolt and blocks of wood.... out in the wild its whatever it takes.

 

[Li'l Work Truck]

So, relative question, but non-self-adjusting clutches are preferred?

 

[bobbywalter]

for me....yes.

 

[bobbywalter]

somewhere along the line....i think right after 8 bolt flywheels....the sac was what they were coming with from ford. sometimes it will be the only thing that a parts store can get as a kit....complete.


you dont want to mix and match parts...that can turn into a trainwreck.

 

[SenorNoob]

Seems unnecessarily complicated. Isn't the purpose of the self adjusting just to maintain pedal height as the clutch wears?

 

[bobbywalter]

yes.

and admittedly...that is nice.

but i like knowing how close i am to the end.

410 gears and big tires is rough on the ol 4.0 clutches.

 

[bobbywalter]

like...in moab....i started driving through the clutch going up hells revenge and knew i was tearing through material....and turned around and went back up through gate...which was crazy. ...stayed out of the hot tubs because of that warning.......if it was a sac i am pretty sure i would have got towed out or did a clutch on the trail...i learned that the hard way a long time ago.

for a normal commuter the sac is probably better.

 

[button_pusher]

Well, it seems the spring on this kit are exceptionally stiff compared to other kits, so be warned...
MU21171SKP

 

[button_pusher]

It must not be set from the factory like I thought. Sounds like another "great idea" some engineer had. These things worked fine for years without all this aggravation.

Yup, even when I took it to a Ford dealer the mechanics didn't believe that a self-adjusting clutch would be on the pressure plate until I showed it to them, so seems to be a pretty rare setup even in Fords.