While the trans is out, clutch fork refresh

[Nditiz1]

Getting closer to putting my car back together with a different trans (prev 923). I have this 82 trans that I am cleaning the years of gunk off of. Would you recommend replacing the seals in the clutch fork setup? I plan to replace the guide tube seal at the very least. What have others done?

Thanks all!

[Flat6pac]

They’re just dust seals. Lube well at the top and on the spring lever.
Bruce

[OsoMoore]

I replaced the seals on my fork. They are easy to get at, and if water gets in there you'll have a bad time. Also re-grease the fork's shaft while you have it apart.

When you put the helper arm (the long arm on bottom) back on, make sure it is on the correct side of the little stop plate that is screwed to the bottom of the transmission. I made that error and it cost me a lot of trouble.

[Cory M]

If your guide tube shows any wear I'd replace it. I had to drop a freshly installed engine because the clutch was getting hung up and wouldn't engage. After much troubleshooting we figured out the worn guide tube was getting jammed with the throw-out bearing. There wasn't much wear and it looked okay on inspection, but it was enough interference to screw things up.

[Nditiz1]

While my guide tube looks to just have some wear rings (superficial, cant feel them) what about this clutch fork?

Also it appears something broke at one time inside the bell housing since it is torn up. Think I'll grind it smooth.

[Superman]

I'd agree those fork shaft seals are fairly unimportant, though I would grease them. They are, as Flat6 says, simply dust seals.

That said, I have become a fan of replacing everything, particularly with clutches. The clutches in these cars can be ultra-smooth with light pedal pressure. Dreamy. But.....that means you replace the disk, pressure plate, possibly flywheel, guide tube, release bearing, pilot bearing and Importantly, clutch cable. Also, pedal cluster bushings. The cost of making all these changes....substantial. But you get that dreamy pedal feel and 80K+ mile reliable service.

That fork looks fine to my eye.

[proporsche]

1.that fork is a gonner..do not grind it you will never match the distance on each ends.....replace it ..
2. replace the TO bearing guide tube plus mainshaft seal in it.Most important is the outside little o ring do not forget that one!
Ivan

[Nditiz1]

Ivan

Are you talking about the guide tube O ring?

[proporsche]

yes this one ..a lot of mechanics forget to replace it...or are lazy..to remove the tube...

it goes on, here

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by proporsche

1.that fork is a gonner..do not grind it you will never match the distance on each ends.....replace it ..

It's old. The arms can fail. Mayo said just replace it when I had them rebuild my 915 in 2008. There is risk.

It was $67 ten years ago.

[Nditiz1]

Thanks, I ordered a new one. Also, ordered a new guide tube.