Do I need to resurface the flywheel?

Question

1989 Geo Spectrum. The clutch went out and i am going to replace it but is it really necessary to resurface the flywheel? Its nothing fancy, its just a beater car.

Answer 1

Any time you replace the clutch, you should always get the fly wheel turned. Its cheap to do, and it will save you a lot of head ache. If you don't, you could ruin the new clutch you just put in, and you'll have to do it all over again.

Answer 2

I have changed many clutches without resurfacing the flywheel. Many of those were along the 285,000 miles in a '72 Dodge Colt ( Mitsubishi). One time I resurfaced the flywheel and replaced the bearing in the center of the flywheel. If you break the glaze on your flywheel with emery cloth everything whould be fine unless the flywheel is warped or cracked. I would get about 80,000 miles out of the clutch, whether or not the flywheel was resurfaced, but I dogged the hell out of that car- did a lot of dragracing. So, your clutch lasted you about 10 years and I'm guessing you're a good driver who doesn't abuse the car. Go on and resurface the flywheel and double the life on the new clutch and bonus yourself an added 5 years.

Answer 3

I will side with most everyone here and say yes you should resurface it. That removes all the old clutch material that is embedded into it. Also, replace the pilot bearing in the end of the crankshaft. If it has a hydraulic clutch, I would replace the hydraulic throw-out bearing assy. I have seen where this wasn't done, the trans was put back together and it starts leaking fluid from the throw out bearing assy.

Answer 4

Anytime you replace something that involves another part rubbing up against it, usually heats up and distorts. It is adviseable to resurface or replace (i prefer replacement) so that you know that the surface is flat and not warped so that the clutch will wear better. If not you risk damaging the new clutch and you'll be pulling the tranny again... i know you didn't have fun pulling it this time !! ...... GL !! p.s. if you didn't replace the throw out bearing... better do it now!! .. it's not that expensive and save you a lot of trouble down the road.

Answer 5

Any time a "clutch job" is done, you should have the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing replaced. The flywheel SHOULD be resurfaced or replaced (if there are cracks) or else the clutch will chatter any time it's in operation. This is how to do the job PROPERLY, period.

Answer 6

If it's reasonably smooth, no. If it's been scored by rivets, yes. I replaced the clutch in my 1991 Geo Prizm a couple of years ago and didn't resurface, I have no complaints.

Answer 7

Depends on how cheap of a clutch you buy. If you buy a dealer clutch, I wouldn't resurface it.

Answer 8

for best practise yes , but if you are on a very tight budget and there are absolutely no blue spots , grooves or cracks you may be able to get away with it, see how much of a hassle it is to pull everything then weigh that against another $75 to 100 for machining and parts. good luck , have fun.

Answer 9

Yes it seems you do.

Answer 10

maybe