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One Alto Way
P.O. Box 1088
Atmore, AL 36504

EMAIL:
sales@altousa.com

PHONE:
251.368.7777

FAX:
251.368.7774

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Clutch Adjustment

There are three basic types of clutch release systems. Mechanical, cable and hydraulic. Proper clutch adjustment is critical to the performance of the clutch system, as well as, the life expectancy of the system. Some systems require free play between the clutch release bearing and the diaphragm, and some do not. It is best to refer to your shop manuals regarding the vehicle you are working on to determine the proper adjustment.

If you are working on a mechanical system, inspect all of the linkage. Examine the bushings and lubricate. Make sure that the system moves freely and does not bind.

If you are working on a cable system,replace the cable. All cables stretch, and it is impossible to determine if the one you are working on has stretched. The best policy is to replace them. AltoStandard Clutch, as well as most clutch companies, stipulates that failure to do so will void the warranty.

If you are working on a hydraulic system, you need to bleed the system. There are some very good tools on the market to assist you in the bleeding of hydraulic systems. These tools allow you to bench bleed the master cylinder and slave cylinder. If you do not have one of these tools you will have to gravity bleed the system.

One tip, which may help. The difficulty with bleeding hydraulic lines is that the master cylinder on most vehicles is higher than the slave cylinder. As you bleed the system, you are trying to force air bubbles downward through the system. This is going against the laws of physics. Air bubbles naturally rise upwards towards the surface. Forcing air bubbles downward is difficult, and many times, air bubbles become trapped in the system. To allow the air bubbles to rise to the surface, raise the front end of the vehicle while you bleed the system. This will help trapped air in the system to rise to the top. Depending how high you raise the vehicle the slave cylinder is now level with or higher than the master cylinder.

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