OEM 2008 Ford Ranger Pressure Plate

2008 Ford Ranger Pressure Plate Parts Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the clutch disc and pressure plate on 2008 Ford Ranger?

  A: The first step for clutch disc and pressure plate repair requires the transmission removal. Any future installation of the clutch disc and pressure plate needs careful bolt removal balance to avoid breaking the diaphragm spring that could cause total clutch release failure. Before removing clutch pressure plate bolts and disc alongside pressure plate, mark the clutch pressure plate to flywheel so the parts can be reinstalled. The transmission input shaft pilot bearing needs inspection for misalignment and looseness next to the crankshaft (gasoline engine) or flywheel (diesel engine) along with examination of scoring and discolored, worn-out, broken rollers, and seal damage that might lead to lubricant leakage; therefore, replace the bearing if any defects appear. Emery cloth should be employed to polish away small imperfections on clutch disc friction surfaces and inspection should be made for oil and grease saturation as well as worn or loose rivets at the hub and broken springs and worn or rusted splines which require clutch disc replacement. Check the friction surface of the clutch pressure plate with a proper cleaning solution before evaluating lever wear levels, friction surface distress, and looking for scoring along with burning heat effect, distortion, warpage, and dish formation; replace the clutch pressure plate if any such issues are present. Address any surface disorders on the flywheel clutch through appropriate cleaning methods followed by checking for heat checks and surface cracks as well as glazing and scoring and scratches and grooves; minor issues can be corrected by sanding the surface parallel to machine lines using coarse emery cloth or fine-grade (400 grit) sandpaper. A thorough inspection of the flywheel or ring gear should identify any damages to the teeth. The procedure for installation includes applying grease to the transmission input shaft pilot bearing before performing clutch pressure plate adjustment through finger pressure that lets the adjusting ring move freely while turning this ring counterclockwise to spring tension compression followed by finger pressure release to maintain reset alignment. An adequate clutch aligner assists in properly positioning the clutch disc on the flywheel and you should align any marks made during removal when using an existing clutch pressure plate and flywheel. Position the clutch components on the aligner before screwing in their connecting bolts according to a star pattern and tightening to 27 Nm (20 lb-ft). Install the transmission first and then proceed with connecting the clutch slave cylinder hydraulic line before fixing the transmission to the engine.