What is a “self-adjusting” clutch?

[Lonesome7.3]

Back in December when I replaced the clutch in my 2000Ranger the parts guy told me it calls for both a self adjusting and non selfadjusting. Because the self adjusting was $200 more I got the other one. When Iremoved the old clutch it had springs built into the dick that the new one didnot. I called the parts guy and he assured me the one I just bought would dothe job. So, several months later and I have had nothing but clutch problems eversince. The parts guy told me the parts I bought are still under warranty. Sobefore I go in and get the parts that cost $200 more over the $200 I alreadyspent, can some tell me what the self adjusting clutch does? Why would it makea difference? If everything else is installed correctly and the system is properlybled, could that be my problem?

 

[PenguinLTZ]

I am sure this is all over Googledom, but in my area of the world as it pertains to heavy duty trucks, the self adjusting pressure plates compensate for wear on vehicles with mechanical linkages. If you have a hydraulic slave on your clutch release arm, this plate is not for you. Hydraulic slave cylinders already compensate for wear at the release lever.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I am right there with you. I knew what it meant on heavy trucks. But this truck is different. The springs are in the disc and not the pressure plate.

 

[PenguinLTZ]

I am not sure what you mean by that, the principle I mentioned is still the same, but as far as what came originally on your truck; call the dealer with your VIN. At least you will know what type came on it originally, then you can make sure you buy the right type of clutch.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I tired that and got no where. I hate the stealership in this town.

 

[PenguinLTZ]

So the Ford dealership wouldn't quote you on a replacement clutch? I find that hard to believe.

 

[Draenor]

If you have a hydraulic slave on your clutch release arm, this plate is not for you. Hydraulic slave cylinders already compensate for wear at the release lever.

This.

Your ranger should be self adjusting.

 

[hotrodpc]

Back in the 80's GM used a self adjust clutch that was cable operated on S-10's. It was like a plastic ratchet mounted to the clutch pedal assembly and as the clutch disk would wear, the plastic part could grab another tooth and have more bite with the clutch pedal until there were not more teeth to grab, then it was time for a new clutch. That should have nothing to do with the clutch assembly itself though.

IIRC, that will be a hydraulic clutch with an internal slave cylinder inside the bell housing riding on the input shaft integrated with the throwout bearing. ??? I hate those kind. But, if you haven't, I'd sure replace that slave cylinder while I had it apart, just because, and you might find that to be part of your problem too. Also, when you replaced the clutch, did you take the flywheel off and have it resurfaced? If you didn't, I damn sure would.

 

[dirtyoldman]

Back in the 80's GM used a self adjust clutch that was cable operated on S-10's. It was like a plastic ratchet mounted to the clutch pedal assembly and as the clutch disk would wear, the plastic part could grab another tooth and have more bite with the clutch pedal until there were not more teeth to grab, then it was time for a new clutch. That should have nothing to do with the clutch assembly itself though.

IIRC, that will be a hydraulic clutch with an internal slave cylinder inside the bell housing riding on the input shaft integrated with the throwout bearing. ??? I hate those kind. But, if you haven't, I'd sure replace that slave cylinder while I had it apart, just because, and you might find that to be part of your problem too. Also, when you replaced the clutch, did you take the flywheel off and have it resurfaced? If you didn't, I damn sure would.

We used to have an '87 Mustang that had the same thing.

 

[Hickspanic]

I am right there with you. I knew what it meant on heavy trucks. But this truck is different. The springs are in the disc and not the pressure plate.

If the clutch is something like this, the springs are to reduce chatter, and have nothing to do with adjustment.