Should I replace the omega spring?

[frankc]

I'm dropping the engine/transmission to perform some other work, but since I have to remove the clutch release lever anyway, should I replace the omega spring (aka, helper spring) as long as I have it off?

I have read that these springs weaken with time/miles, is this true? If so, the spring on my car is over 30 years old with 100K miles on it, so I suspect it would be fatigued by now. But at nearly $100, is it going to make that much of a difference?

thanks,
Frank

[javadog]

I've replaced one before and could tell no difference. I even had the new replacement spring coated with an anti-friction coating. Nada.

JR

[spuggy]

All springs weaken with use/time, but replacing one that's still servicable - well, you won't see any improvement

The one on my newly-modified/installed 915 tranny wouldn't push the actuating arm back, so you had to do it with a tire-iron on the clutch arm when setting the operating clearances.

It had looked fine with the tranny off the car. Got replaced 1500 miles later when we fitted the competition pressure plate.

[dfink]

Unless broken the spring is still problably doing it's job. If the clutch is hard to press I would look at clutch cable or in my case it was just a dirty pressure plate. The pressure plate had clutch dust packed in every conceivable nook and some inconceivable ones. If it looks dirty I would remove it (need to check clutch plate anyhow) and clean the pressure plate. If using solvent remove the throw out bearing before cleaning so you don't get solvent in the bearing. With everything nice and clean it is amazing how easy the clutch is to operate. In fact it was so light that I thought something must be wrong so I tripple checked everything. Nothing wrong it will lockup fine with 245 hoosiers and an LSD just smooth as silk.

[Carrman]

Originally Posted by javadog

I've replaced one before and could tell no difference. I even had the new replacement spring coated with an anti-friction coating. Nada.

JR

+1, did the same thing. I think if the spring looks good, isn't broken, etc., replacing it isn't going to do much.

[frankc]

Thanks everyone, you just saved me a 100 bucks. Funds that can be better used towards many other parts I truly need to finish my suspension project.

I'll just clean-up my existing spring and take it to the shop along with a box of other parts to be plated in yellow zinc. I know that's not the original finish, but it's essentially free since I pay one price for a box full of parts.

Frank

[Jim Sims]

"I'll just clean-up my existing spring and take it to the shop along with a box of other parts to be plated in yellow zinc. I know that's not the original finish, but it's essentially free since I pay one price for a box full of parts."

Ensure the plater immediately does a post plating "bake" to get the hydrogen out; otherwise the spring could be ruined.

[frankc]

Originally Posted by Jim Sims

Ensure the plater immediately does a post plating "bake" to get the hydrogen out; otherwise the spring could be ruined.

Thanks Jim - I didn't know the plating process could have a negative affect on springs. So much wisdom here. I'll ask about it when I drop off the parts.

Frank

[Hugh R]

If I remember correctly, springs for the most part work, or they don't. They don't get weaker and weaker. If it works it works, if its broken, well...