Can you profit from clutch repairs? MALCOLM SHORT, SCHAEFFLER’S TECHNICAL SERVICES MANAGER, OUTLINES CLUTCH BEST PRACTICE TO PREVENT PROBLEMS AND PROMOTE PROFIT
Schaeffler’s REPXPERT workshop portal is a perfect place to start, as clutch fitting instructions are free or charge for members to access, and can be saved, printed and attached to the job card.
Some workshops are still avoiding clutch work, preferring instead to send it to a ‘specialist’ that, in reality, has simply learnt the tricks needed to avoid having a car stuck on the ramp overnight when what should have been a five-hour job, goes wrong. By following a few simple precautions, all garages can avoid the pain and problems and potentially start turning a profit from clutch.
Whilst you are looking up the TecRMI vehicle manufacturer instructions using TecDoc in REPXPERT, you will pass the clutch application listings, so take a quick look to see how many components are shown and check if you have ordered all of the parts required.
CLUTCH BEST PRACTICE
Identifying the car
18
Supplying car parts is becoming increasingly difficult, especially when looking at genuine parts from OE suppliers. With millions of errors on the DVLA system, a vehicle registration look-up may not be as accurate as you would think, so furnishing yourself with some basic vehicle details (preferably directly from the car if you have it) will help the motor factor supply the correct part first time. Good-to-know problem solving information includes finding the correct VAG engine code; knowing where reverse is located on Vauxhall applications to identify the correct CSC; and knowing if a VW has start/stop is essential in identifying the right DMF.
Follow the (free) fitting instructions! While you are waiting for the parts and/or the car to arrive, it’s a good time to see if any accurate fitting instructions are available, especially if you are not familiar with the vehicle.
If your technicians do not have access to an iPhone or Android phone (or mobile device) installed with the free ‘DMF Checkpoint’ app, then you can also find and print the critical tolerance values from REPXPERT, so they can accurately diagnose DMF wear when the gearbox is removed.
Equipment There is not a great deal of specialised equipment required, but a few essentials can make the job easier; a two-post ramp and a working transmission jack (or two if you work on some larger vehicles such as the L200), preferably with a tilting head for a trauma free gearbox refit. A universal alignment tool will also help with smooth gearbox installation and prevent any damage to the new clutch. Whilst it is essential to use a special tool to fit a self-adjusting clutch, Schaeffler’s LuK SAC tool has added value in that it can be used during any clutch installation to help prevent judder, and it also includes lots of special alignment tools to suit the latest BMW applications.
