SAFARI STORME MY14

CLUTCH 13 3.1.2 MAINTENANCE, INSPECTION AND TESTS 3.1.2.1 PRELIMINARY INSPECTION Clutch needs replacement mainly on account of clutch slippage or imperfect engagement and disengagement. This may be due to worn out/ damaged clutch parts. It is desirable to carry out the following preliminary checks before removal of clutch for replacement if the parts. 1. CLUTCH SLIPPAGE TEST Clutch slippage can be confirmed by any of the following two methods: a) Drive the vehicle in 1 st or 2 nd gear at maximum speed corresponding to that gear. With accelerator pedal fully pressed, apply brake gradually with your left foot. If the engine stalls, it means that clutch does not slip. b) Drive loaded vehicle in 3 rd gear on level ground and let the speed drop down to approximately 15 Kmph / 9 mph. Now press accelerator pedal fully. With slipping clutch, the vehicle speed will not pick up and also clutch burning smell will be noticed. If this does not occur and vehicle picks up speed, it indicates that clutch does not slip. 2. CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT AND DISENGAGEMENT TEST During the above test, when vehicle is in motion, depress clutch pedal fully without changing the accelerator pedal position. If the engine speed increases immediately, perfect clutch disengagement is indicated. Further, release the clutch pedal suddenly. If the vehicle moves forward with a little jerk, perfect clutch engagement is indicated. ! CAUTION This test should be carried out with utmost care because sudden release of the clutch might cause heavy jerk and damage to the clutch lining. ™ FACTORS AFFECTING CLUTCH WEAR The clutch is designed to give maximum life under most severe conditions when handled carefully. However, while in operation, clutch lining is subjected to wear. Apart from this the extent of wear also depends on following. A. PROPER MAINTENANCE Improper maintenance may lead to clutch wear and improper functioning. Preventive Maintenance of clutch includes checking oil level and bleeding the system for defect free operation of clutch actuation mechanism. B. DRIVING Following driving conditions will affect the performance of the clutch. CLUTCH RIDING Using clutch pedal as a foot rest by keeping foot constantly on pedal while driving will cause partial clutch disengagement. It will result in slipping of the clutch disc and premature failure of the clutch. PERMITTING THE CLUTCH TO SLIP TOO LONG Half clutch driving and thereby permitting the clutch purposely to slip too long will have the same result as above. PERMITTING THE CLUTCH TO JERK Sudden clutch engagement at higher engine speed specially while moving out the stuck vehicle will cause severe instantaneous clutch loading, resulting in clutch slippage and burning of the lining locally. Starting the vehicle in first gear under such conditions will avoid such problem. Always propel the vehicle in first gear