HARD SHIFT OR GEAR CLASH MAY BE LOOSE BOLTS

1989 'F' CARS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Owners of some 1989 Camaro or Firebird vehicles equipped with manual transmissions and 2.8L engines may comment about difficult shift efforts or shift clash in all gears with the clutch pedal fully depressed.

This reduced clutch disengagement may be the result of the clutch pressure plate cover to flywheel bolts working loose. Prior to removing the clutch housing check clutch bolt torques, measure the clutch actuator pushrod travel. This measurement must be made with the actuator securely attached to the clutch housing. The travel should be 15-18 mm while fully depressing the clutch pedal.

A. If the travel is less than 15mm, then the source of the clutch condition is located in the hydraulic linkage or pedal linkage. Inspect the hydraulic linkage for any cracks, leaks or loose mounting flange bolts. Check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder reservoir. A low level may indicate a system leak or an under fill condition.

IMPORTANT: Slight dampness under the clutch master cylinder boot does not necessarily indicate a leaking cylinder as there is a silicone lubricant located within the outer end of the cylinder.

Check the pedal linkage for; the appropriate travel (minimum of 150mm), any binding, or misalignment between the pedal assembly and clutch master cylinder.

B. If the fork travel is adequate, then the source of the clutch condition is located within the clutch housing and is most likely reduction of pressure plate bolt torque. If the bolts are not torqued properly,they should be removed and inspected for damage. After removing the bolts, inspect the clutch, flywheel and pilot bushing for any damage or excessive wear, and replace as required. When re-installing the original or new clutch cover bolts (P/N 14004016), the torque should be 18-24 Nm, and a lock washer (P/N 9439511) should be installed with each bolt. Reference section 7C of the 1989 Service Manual for specific clutch installation, removal, and inspection instructions.

Parts are currently available from CANSPO.

Use applicable labour operation and time.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.