clutch

virgil · 02-05-2007, 12:01 PM

here is my problem, when down shifting, i have to come to a stop to get in 1st or 2nd gear, and have to push hard to get to do so, it will go into 3rd and higher with no problem, what do you think the problem is,is there something like an adjustment that can be made or is a new clutch the solution. Thanks on edit i have a 1997 sportage, 5 speed

alaskabigdog · 02-05-2007, 04:07 PM

First thing to check would be the clutch master cylinder and clutch slave cylinder. They are the cheapest to repair. Check to see if either of them is leaking. The clutch Master if it is leaking will be coming from the rear of the unit where it meets the firewall...normally. Air in the clutch hydraulic system can cause the same symptoms. Air can enter the hydraulic system when there is a leak.
A leaky hydraulic system can cause the symptoms you described.
A worn out pressure plate (weak springs and fingers)can cause those same symptoms also.
How many miles are on the clutch?

virgil · 02-06-2007, 11:32 AM

Thanks Alaskabigdog
As far as i know the clutch has never been repaired it has 143000 miles

alaskabigdog · 02-06-2007, 11:19 PM

Sounds like you got your moneys worth out of that clutch if it has 143,000 miles on it. You can get good deals on aftermarket clutches. Try to find the Exedy brand name, they make a lot fo OEM clutches for differetn vehicles. I saw one the other day on ebay for a sportage, it was around $25-30 plus shipping, it included the pressure plate and disc. That's the cheapest I've ever seen one. You will also need a throw out bearing and I'd recommend replacing the pilot bearing too.
You can purchase a complete clutch kit which includes everything you need for around $150-180 from many different suppliers.

mgbgt1972 · 02-06-2007, 11:35 PM

And just how hard is it to change out a clutch on a Sporty? Do you need to drop the tranny or pull the engine? It's a certain you'd need a clutch alignment tool, any other specialty tools needed, how about beleeding/changing the clutch fulid while you are at it?

alaskabigdog · 02-11-2007, 03:15 AM

You have to remove the tranny/transfer case. I've installed many clutches with no aligment tool. The secret is to make sure the disk is perfectly centered with the clutch pressure plate. As you tighten the pressure plate move the disk so it is equal distant from the outside edge of the pressure plate. This perfectly centers the disk with the pressure plate even more so than does a clutch alignment tool. If you have the tool use it and then check to see if the disk is perfectly aligned with the clutch. You will need a torque wrench to torque the clutch pressure plate bolts and possibly the flywheel bolts. I always remove the flywheel to have it resurfaced. You will need a good jack to support the transmission/transfer case or a big guy who's a good benchpresser!
I would recommend making sure your clutch master and slave are in good working order and flush/bleed them during final assembly.
There is a factory shop manual online that will detail every step of the clutch removal and reinstall procedure.

CaptDave · 02-12-2007, 11:21 AM

I have looked all over online for a manual, could you point me in the right direction. Thanks

alaskabigdog · 02-18-2007, 01:19 AM

go to www.kiatechinfo.com and register for account access with your email address and a password. Once you gain access....Then select SHOP in the left menu. Then fill in the model"sportage(al)", year, engine, and option(2.0 DOHC). This will allow you access to the factory shop manual for your vehicle.