SCHAEFFLER: ABR Combo - 180412
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special feature: drivetrain
The Golden Triangle
Schaeffler has been at the forefront of clutch technology in South Africa for the past 50 years with it’s LuK
brand of clutches. As the only local clutch manufacturer, LuK has become synonymous with outstanding quality
and performance. However, the quality of the component is only as good as the quality of the fitment and
competence of the technician. Quality of product, quality of fitment, and competence of the technician forms the
golden triangle.
Schaeffler SA provides comprehensive
fitment instructions in each Repset,
failure diagnosis charts, experienced
regional Area Managers and a Technical
Hotline (0800 41 2106) to ensure correct
fitment.
I
t is a common misconception that when
a clutch failure occurs, only the clutch
assembly components need to be
replaced.
This misconception stems from the fact
that most technicians do not view the
clutch assembly as part of a system that
includes the hydraulic system / cable,
moving and pivot points in the transmission
bell housing and the pedal assembly.
An interesting fact to note is that when a
vehicle has covered 100 000km the clutch
has been operated a minimum of 1.5
million times.
This means that everything from the clutch
pedal to the clutch assembly has been
subject to the same number of operations,
therefore all components in the system
must be inspected.
The failure of the clutch assembly is
normally a symptom of a problem being
experienced with any one of these
components. For this reason it is common
to hear statements that clutch performance
did not improve with replacement of the
clutch assembly.
•
Correct adjustment of the clutch
release system to the vehicle
manufacturer’s specification.
•
Quality branded parts have been
fitted. All LuK parts are clearly
branded for easy identification on
both the components and packaging.
When driven plates are found bearing
LuK branding on the friction material
only, it is important to note that these
are not official LuK assemblies, only
the friction material is sourced from a
LuK plant.
•
All LuK products are clearly stamped
with LuK branding on all the
components.
Vehicle owners must insist on th e
following when clutch replacement work
is done on their vehicles:
•
Proof that the flywheel has been remachined, and in the case of Dual
Mass Flywheels, that it has been
replaced as it cannot be machined.
•
All moving and pivot points in the
transmission bell housing are OK
and correctly lubricated to the
vehicle manufacturer’s specification.
•
The pilot bearing / bush has been
replaced – critical if shiftability
problems are experienced (NB –
some vehicles are not fitted with
pilot bearings)
•
•
The hydraulic system is in good
condition, alternatively, replace
cable.
Pedal assembly is in good
condition.
The danger in this for the vehicle owner is
premature clutch failure, which involves
labour costs for transmission removal a
second time, possible replacement of the
clutch components and increased vehicle
down time.
| words in action
Clutch System
26
august 2014
The root cause for a specific
failure must first be determined
and this is where the skill and
experience of the technician is
key. Visit www.schaeffler.com for
more information.