Is it possible to damage the clutch during an engine out service?

In July, I had a local shop do my engine out service. After I got the car back, I noticed an odd noise. It sounded like a wheel bearing, but I wasn't sure. The noise only happened when the engine was under load. Push in the clutch pedal and it went away.

So I took the car back to the shop last month, and the guy is telling me the clutch plates are worn and need to be replaced. He also says I might need a new flywheel.

Now, this problem came up immediately after they did the engine out service. It was not making any odd noises prior to having that done. So I'm wondering if it's possible to mess up a clutch during an engine out service. As far as I know, they took the engine/transmission/axel, etc out as a single unit and never separated them, so it seems unlikely, but I figured I'd ask, anyway.

Edit: This is on a 1990 348ts with 66,000 miles, and it's the original clutch.

 

With 66k on the original clutch this is most likely just coincidental. I can't think of any way a standard major service would affect the clutch.

 

Hard to damage the clutch unless you unnecessarily take it apart to "inspect" it during the service. Apparently some shops do that.

 

I agree. Only clutch issue I would expect after a major is if they had an issue bleeding the clutch.

 

That's what I was thinking, too. Just figured I'd ask. Thanks guys.

 

I was going to post this as well.

I think it's just a coincidence.

 

Do you mean "the noise only happened when the clutch is engaged" (pedal up) and it disappears when you disengage the clutch (press the pedal)? Or do you mean the noise is present when accelerating ("under load") and it disappears when decelerating?

Worn clutch plates will not make the kind of sound you described (bearing sound). Depending on your answer to my question above, it could be the clutch release bearing or a bearing in the transmission.

With 66,000 miles done, I would replace the clutch discs anyway. The rest of the clutch assembly needs to be inspected/measured before deciding on replacement.

 

The noise disappears when you press the clutch pedal. It is prominent during acceleration but also present at speed, and was getting louder. At highway speeds it was a high pitched whine. I say "was" because I heard that sound and immediately took it to the shop.

The mechanic has taken the clutch apart and says the discs need to be replaced. He has also pulled the flywheel and sent it to a machine shop to have it measured in hopes that it can be salvaged. On the order list at present is a clutch rebuild kit from Ricambi. We are waiting to see what happens with the flywheel before proceeding.

 

This.

 

Can you post pics of the worn discs?

Also, pray that the flywheel is salvageable (pray for your wallet, that is)

 

I don't have any pics. And I just got word that the flywheel is not salvageable. I've been pricing them already. My wallet is already in tears.

 

Ouch !!!

It is not the shop's fault by the way. This happens !!!

 

If you have a dual disc clutch you may want to consider converting to single disc at this point.

Someone here (pretty sure plugzit) often has rebuilt clutch parts at a good price.

Let us know what you find. I suspect you're going to need to rebuild the clutch and then drive it in order to determine if there are any other trans problems.

 

On a positive point, I think you will have a noticeable improvement in clutch feel when the job is completed (easier effort, better grip and smoother operation) so at least after this you will have a better driving experience (unlike preventative maintenance, where you don't notice anything after picking up the car, just pay a bill )

 

when your in there jostling things around, things shift and poo happens.
It would have been nice had they checked the clutch & replaced it (if necessary) while the engine was out. Oh well.

 

I'm curious what is the difference in everyday use between these clutches? and why it seems that single plate is better?

 

There is that old conflict between doing what is just necessary to save cost, and doing what else is nice to do and add costs. You pay for what you get, normally.

 

IIRC parts for double plate clutches are difficult to find and quite a bit more expensive. The double plate clutches are more difficult to set up properly (there is a theory that Maranello switched to single plate clutches for that reason). Pedal effort is supposedly lighter on a single plate setup-- I know my single plate car doesn't require as much pedal effort as I'm used to in older Ferraris but I have not driven them back-to-back to know for certain.

In theory the double plate clutch is superior in power handling and it should last longer too. But if you're beating your head against a wall trying to find parts it's worth at least checking for single plate conversion, especially if you need a new flywheel.

No matter what happens, save the old parts! If you don't want 'em I'll take them.

 

yeah, theres a double plate on my car and while clutches obviously are wearing component so dunno what happens when they wear out. definitely theres no need for double plate for those torque levels

so if operation is superior i think i would change, even if i could find new discs and re-surface the flywheel

 

+348

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I figured the garage was not at fault, but just wanted to make sure.

I may try to tackle this job myself. Anyone know of a good resource for doing so? Preferably something with detailed pictures?

 

There are two very good threads.

I am away for a few days, if nobody posts the link to one of them I can do it when I get back.

 

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/135576335-post34.html

 

Is it the same on a 355 as it is a 348?

 

Use this thread

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/technical-q-sponsored-algar-ferrari/296274-348-clutch-removal.html