The clutch in my 79 BB is starting to slip some, so time for a change. However, there is also a bearing noise coming from lower transfer gear bearing, or at least thats where the noise is loudest. I suppose it could be a transaxle bearing noise, but for now ( with fingers crossed) will assume the transfer gear bearing. The clutch change looks fairly straight forward. The clutch is an AP Racing unit, and according to them is available through Marenello concessionaires. Im still looking for the throw-out bearing though. My main question though is regarding the drop gear bearing. From my workshop manual it looks simple enough to change, but Im wondering if when re-installing it needs to be tightened to a specific amount of pre-load? Also, do any of our vendors here carry the clutch, the throw-out bearing, or the transfer gear bearings. Id like to do this job myself, not out of being cheap, but because it would be interesting to delve that far into my car. Any advice, suggestions? John
I just went thru this, the clutch is made by AP and is 1795 from GT car parts, or 2795 from ferrari. It comes from ferrari in the AP box...with a ferrari sticker on it..no other difference that I could see.
Clutch is a straight forward job, remove rear bumper, heat shield, exhaust, I removed the slave cylinder arm from the trans, bell housing then you are there. There is an interesting O ring seal thats undersized on the inside of the bell housing and sealed up with silicone, this seal which has a tube through it transfers oil from the transfer gears to the main gearbox, I replaced the o ring and built up silicone around it let it dry for a few hours, when I say its undersized it is as there is a 1/8" gap all around the seal, even ordered another from T Rutlands to be sure and it was the same size O ring, it seems incorrect as you need to build up the gaps with silicone, also put some sealant on that area of the mating surfaces of the bellhousing to the case, you'll see what I am talking about when you remove it.So far no leaks and this was 4 years ago for me. For the clutch alignment I used a universal GM tool for $5 but it didn't work as should and so ended up just loosely tightening the clutch plates down then putting the bellhousing back on to get the proper alignment then removed the bellhousing and tightened up the clutch to spec. My clutch was stuck which was the reason for removal so I didn't remove the flywheel to have it machined but I would and also would replace the rear main seal, my car has a leak there now. I'd do it, its a relatively easy but time consuming job and makes you appreciate the cars mechanicals more plus you can spend time detailing it
Thanks! Mark, Do you have a web-site address for GT parts? I know I've seen it on here someplace, but can't find it here, or Google. Jeff, thanks for the easy instructions. I suppose it would be even easier if I take off the rear clip as well just to get the head knocker wheelwell arch out of the way. And yes, am planning on changing the rear seal too, as it's already leaking. Can anyone supply help, advise, wisdom on changing the drop gear bearings? John
Most of the time John you'll be spending in the rear bumper area so I wouldn't remove the rear decklid,you'll be suprised how much room you have once the exhaust and bellhousing are out of the way, if you do just remove the 2 pins not the 3 bolts on each hinge so no re alignment issues on the decklid One more note be sure and look for a few hidden bolts on the bellhousing on the bottom, the bellhousing comes off easy little pressure is needed, there was an old thread on JRVs site when he guided me through the process might check it there as its been awhile and I may be forgetting some minor tips. Unlike the 308/328 you don't need to take the transfer gears off to remove the bellhousing but since you are putting in the drop gear you can just do it with the bellhousing on a bench. Should make a big difference with the car on the low end especially in traffic lets hear your impressions of it
