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Jim Grant's Tech Tips '02 Chevy S-10, Clutch Assembly Issues
Q:
I am
currently embroiled in a dispute with Chevy over a clutch assembly and
transmission issue in a ‘02 Chevy S-10 truck with 16k miles on it.
Since January, I have had 3 clutch assemblies installed in the truck.
. Could it be a result of a defective transmission or other mechanical
problems? I have been told no that the only way to narrow it down is repeated
replacement of clutch assemblies which are now to be done at my expense.
They say that because a clutch is considered an object that will wear
out (like brake pads for example) they will not cover this repair. Could
you possibly have a suggestion where to look for the cause of the trouble
and maybe a solution? I’m the only driver of the vehicle and do not
abuse the vehicle. I’ve been made to feel as if I’m the cause
of this issue!
-
Doug
A:
First
question? Is this the first standard type transmission vehicle that you’ve
driven? If the answer is yes, skip the next question. If not, how well
did you do with the clutches in that vehicle? If the answer is much better,
then skip the next question. If this is your first standard transmission
vehicle then I would want to ride with you to monitor your driving habits
and operation of the clutch. If you have been driving a standard transmission
vehicle for some time then it is likely there is an underlying problem
with your vehicle and not Chevy’s in general. If there are repeated
clutch failure problems (like 3 clutches in 9 months) and the driver of
that vehicle is an experienced driver then I would look to a transmission
alignment problem. The transmission has to be centered to the crankshaft
of the engine. If this alignment is off the component that pays the price
is the clutch assembly. If the transmission is not centered to the crankshaft
or is off to an angle, rapid clutch wear and or failure can occur. If
inspection finds that the transmission to engine alignment is an issue,
there are special alignments dowels that can be used in place of the factory
dowels that will allow for centering the transmission to the engine. If
the transmission is off to an angle then the bell housing can be shimmed
for correction.
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