Clutch job - wrong parts! Don't do this!!

[moretsky99]

1996 Ranger 4 cyl.. I did a clutch job 8,000 mile ago.
Rattling proved to be a loose flywheel. I did not use Locktite to hold the bolts. Flywheel was flopping around.

I pulled the bell housing and fixed the flywheel. I also installed a new clutch and pressure plate which I got on Rock Auto.
I did not change out the master or slave.
I was unable to bleed the system. I tried everything including bench bleeding the master 2x. Buying tools to suck the fluid from the slave. 2 weeks under my Ranger.
Finally I had the truck towed to a garage. It took 6 weeks there before I got it back.
First they installed a new Master. They told me they used a vacuum machine and were able to bleed the system, but the clutch was still able to shift gears. They called me to ask what the symptoms were and what I had done.

Finally they pulled the bell housing. They told me I installed a self adjusting clutch which is not called for in my truck.
$1500 to fix a truck I paid $1200 for some years ago.

I still don't understand how I managed to get the wrong parts from Rock Auto as I have a login there with my truck listed. I wrote to them, but they never addressed how I was able to order the wrong parts for my listed truck.

I'd still like it if someone could talk about self adjusting vs whatever the other kind of clutch is.

Hope this prevents someone else from a major bill.

Allen

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

RA doesn’t really have customer service. I’ve gotten incorrect parts before and bad parts and that’s why I buy from the local parts store. Could I buy stuff from RA and Scamazon and all cheaper? Possibly. But I was able to use my business to make a commercial account so for the most part I don’t deal with the front counter and when there’s a problem I pick up the phone or stop by and it’s handled. I’m at the point in my life where less hassle is worth a little more potential expense. Of course, I also try to care for over a dozen vehicles, lol

 

[scotts90ranger]

The self adjusting clutches are apparently a thing, I haven't played with them and there's a way to get them adjusted right... I know it "can" work, I remember RonD posting about it a few times... I've put like 4 clutches on my '90 over the years and I don't think any of them have had the self adjusting parts... I know the centerforce ones I've put in don't...

 

[bobbywalter]

yeah. no.

did you buy the pp and friction as separate pieces?

usually mismatched parts. put in gear....start....drive and slide untill clutch wears in. but sometimes that is impossible ... not sure about rangers though.