Clutch job question

[Cogito]

I've got an 89 Honda Civic, 4WD wagon with 128K on odo. Doing the first clutch job on it. What's the story on flywheel resurfacing? Should it always be done, or can you tell by inspection if it is actually needed? What should it cost?

 

[Quest]

Yes, flywheel shall always be resurfaced no matter how you look at it. Similar to a water pump job during timing belt change, it makes no sense not to do it given the RE-n-RE labour time involved in the clutch servicing process.

burn-marks (dark spots) are common on used flywheel friction surface and if yours are severely scoured or insufficient thickness after machining, consider having it replaced (a used on from wreckers is fine if you are on a budget).

 

[sciphi]

It's a good rule to re-surface or replace when you do the clutch. Prolongs time until the next clutch.

You can scuff it with an emory board or really fine-grit sandpaper, but it's better to have it either re-surfaced ($50 or so, IIRC) or replaced. Replacements are $150 or so on Ebay.

 

[Harley Anderson]

I've done 4 or 5 clutch jobs before and never resurfaced and did not have any problems. But, these weren't on my vehicles and downtime was critical. For the price of resurfacing or replacing the flywheel, it's cheap insurance, so down the road your new clutch can seat in properly and last a good life.

 

[brianl703]

Around here it's about $100 to get a flywheel turned. You can often get a new flywheel for that price.

 

[Cogito]

I was quoted $40 from a top-notch place. You're getting robbed without the gun.

 

[mechtech2]

Take off as little as possible, and get the correct finish. They often just make a rough final finish.
Re balance if possible with your new clutch, and mark it for correct assembly later.
I have done many clutches without resurfacing, and had great results. I always dress the surface in any case. Sometimes you need to get one cut, though.

 

[mazduh30]

You should resurface it or get a new one. Flywheel absorbs and dissipates alot of heat (more when clutch is slipping). Heat stress causes cracks, warpage, and hard spots. Not unless the flywheel is flat, shows no signs of defects there wouldn't be a need to resurface it. But...it's a good practice to do it. IMO

 

[alanu]

I will NEVER ever do a clutch R&R without getting the fly resurfaced. It is critical or you'll get chatter (high potential). Thats my professional point of view. If your gonna do the backyard shadey tree job I'd still resurface the fly. When it chatters if you DONT you'll regret paying extra 50bucks for doing things properly.

Do it right the first time or dont do it at all. Simple cheap resurfacing will give you a piece of mind. Take the fly to a reputable experienced shop because the step on the flywheel ( some have it, some dont) its critical or you'll have improper engagement of the pressure plate.

When you buy a kit do yourself a favour and use a japanese made release bearing. I've used the chinese ones in the "kits" and have had howling issues on many of them now.