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Hard to shift into gears Clutch replace???

Ric

CEG'er
Joined
Jun 8, 2000
Messages
55
Location
MA
I've been having a problem shifting: into first and into reverse and even in other gears. Sometimes I can't even force it in, and have to shut-down to shift.

I copied this from an earlier posting as I'm having the same problem with my SE. What's the typical cost to replace the clutch? I suspect that's what it is as it has 160k and 3 teenagers learned to drive on it and hills starts are important here.
 
happens to me only when its cold. once i start driving a little, it frees up and becomes real easy to shift
 
Another question, If I do have the clutch replaced, should I replace anything else besides & besides the clutch, should I consider the flywheel. pressure plate, release fork slave, etc. as well.?

I also notice that there's a regular Disk 2.5 pkg ($128) & then theres the SVT Package. What's the difference?
 
I'll check changing the fluid.
Lookin on one of the Ford dealer, Parts are very different for the diferent parts.
example,
w/out svt w/svt
Clutch & flywheel
Disc 128 120
Flywheel 237 154.85
Pressure plate 147.37 125.99
Ring gear 14.84
Hydraulic system
Flex Hose 14
Master cylinder 46
Slave cylinder 125.67 113.95
Steel line 54.63
Seems svt version is cheaper all around? Why is that?

Thanks
 
I'll be the second to suggest pulling the shifter boot, and visually inspecting the cables, and then looking under the hood while someone rocks the shifter left/right over and over, then up/down while you look at both rods/cables and their ends for loose or misaligned things.
 
If you need a clutch it makes no sense to just replace the clutch due to the amount of work involved. Get a full kit that includes the pilot bearing, release bearing/slave cylinder and pressure plate. Have the flywheel looked at an if necessary see if a slight maching will clean it up, if not replace the flywheel.
 
so....?

so....?

So is there a difference between a SVT clutch and non-SVT clutch besides the price? I need to replace mine (non-SVT) and would much rather get the SVT one since it's cheaper overall.
 
First of all, NEVER force the shifter. That's how things get broken like cable ends, shift tower bolts and other things that people blame Ford for making them too flimsy when they just weren't meant to be forced. Second, make sure there's no air in the hydraulic clutch system by bleeding it. First and reverse are the hardest gears to get into anyway for whatever reason. An unbled or worn clutch will only make it harder to do so. But bleed the system first and if that doesn't help, then worry about getting a new clutch kit.
Karl
 
Good eye! I'm going to have to start checking the post dates before replying. Still, someone may learn something from a year old post. Good advise never has an expiration date. :cool:
Karl

If the second question Ric asked was answered, then I wouldn't have had to post on a "year old" thread:
Another question, If I do have the clutch replaced, should I replace anything else besides & besides the clutch, should I consider the flywheel. pressure plate, release fork slave, etc. as well.?

I also notice that there's a regular Disk 2.5 pkg ($128) & then theres the SVT Package. What's the difference?

I still haven't learned what I want to know... the difference between a SVT and non-SVT clutch.
 
Last edited:
I believe there are 4 springs in the non svt clutch and 8 in the svt. Atleast, that is what I have been told on here.

wow - after a post being brought back after a year and people bringing that up... i go and do it again.... sorry.
 
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