Clutch Setting

[xeffer]

I am thinking exactly the same thing, and even though you mention that its not common, I AM leaning towards thinking that the bearing has come appart - It is the only thing that I can think of that would rapidly deteriorate AND have the effect of having to screw the rear nut in further in order to maintain a 2mm free play. Like I've mentioned before, I have limited clutch experience (and with limited I mean NONE), so I might be totaly off with my thinking, but that's what makes sence to me...

[nhmaf]

I've got my fingers crossed for you that it is the bearing at the back under the piston.  I believe that your
model year (79 ?)  had the roller bearings in there, which was a very poor design choice and more prone to failure
if not frequently maintained.  I may be totally wrong on this. The later models had caged ball bearings that were a
much better choice for this application.

Perhaps someone else know better than I do, but maybe you can replace the bearing with the newer ball-type
(IF that is the source of the problem) and everything will still fit properly.   Anyone ?   Anyone ?   Bueller ??

[Semper Gumby]

I have the rollers thrust bearing and when I finally looked at it saw that it was still in good shape.  It is now properly lubricated.

I wonder if there is rust on the friction surfaces and its just wearing out the clutch fast.

If you stare at it long enough, the answer will make itself known.  I have often wondered about the where the clutch actuating shaft presses against the forward friction plate.  You would think that this is where the thrust bearing should be but *surprise* the shaft just fit into a slot in the center of the plate.  If there is not a bit of grease here then the clutch chirrps just before locking up.  Could this shaft be chewing its way through the plate?

TTFN,

[Bob_Roller]

Semper G., I'm not sure about the '79-80 model year bikes, as they have a different clutch than my '81, but the clutch push-rod actually pushes on the diaphragm spring, not on the clutch disc.

[Semper Gumby]

Your right.  But on the 1980 and the 1979 it presses on the Pressure Plate (Forward half of the clutch.)  The Spring is between the Pressure plate and the Flywheel.  Where the rod meets the Pressure plate is a point of wear that I think should have had a small sealed bearing.    This point requires a small drop of grease on the end of the rod.  After the grease wears off, the bike "churps" when it goes into gear.
(There's a cricket in my clutch).

TTFN,

[billygoat]

 Possible the piston, needle cage or flat washer are out of order or getting stuck or??? :-?

[xeffer]

Thanx to all sofar for all the input. I havent been able to reply back due to a couple of things, one being that I have not yet had a look, so I'm no wiser at this stage. I've just started a new job and am still coping with the new surroundings... to make things worse - its been less than 3 weeks at my new job, and yesterday they promoted me!! I'd like to think its because I am such a good worker, but its more a case of being in the right place at the right time - My supperior resigned unexpectedly, and I was the natural replacement.

Anyway, as soon as I can find the time, I'll start disasembling the clutch from the rear and let you know as soon as I find the problem

Thanx guys
Tiaan

[Semper Gumby]

Hey xeffer,

Where are you in your investigation?

TTFN,

[xeffer]

To be honest - I havent done much since last time I was here. Appart from money (I'm in the process of buying a new car), my biggest problem at the moment is time. I've mentioned before that I've been promoted at my work, which inevitably puts allot of demands on my time available. At the moment the bike is standing until I've sorted out the car buying (some problems there, as the PO is in England at the moment). When thats done, I'll have a more serious look at it and let you all know. Thanx for all the suggestions so far though, I'm sure that with all the info sofar, the problem will be sorted in no time at all!!

Tiaan