View Full Version : HELP! Installed new ACT Flywheel, Clutch kit and counterweight ...


niko
01-19-2009, 07:23 PM
... and the clutch pedal feels like stepping on cotton-balls! It's softer than a baby's bottom...is it supposed to be like this? I've asked the people at the shop to install the clutch line as well (stainless steel) but they did not (not yet)...what gives? The stock clutch pedal had more beefy feel to it than this 30%-more-grip ACT clutch. Did they not do something correctly? I am taking it back to make sure they un&#* it ... but I needs some professional opinions with clutches and flywheels here. Please let me know. Back int the day, I had a Civic and had a clutch installed as well and afterward it felt like you step on cotton balls (very soft). I have always thought that a better/stronger gripping clutch kit will give your pedal a stiffer and harder feel to be able to build a calf of a bodybuilder. Am I dreaming or are the people installing these in the no-clue world??? Please chime In. I Need a real response from someone who knows what they are doing!!! Thank you!

lurch519
01-19-2009, 07:26 PM
sounds like the hydraulic lines that actuate the clutch need to be bled. just like brakes, if the system is "opened", the lines need to be bled, or any air in the system will compress, causing a soft or spongy feel.

niko
01-19-2009, 07:29 PM
Thank you, lurch519. I do recall the tech saying something about one of their machines being broken and he was not able to do something similar to what you're describing. Let me ask you though: with it being so spongy, does that cause power loss? Does it harm the clutch/transmission or any master/slave cylinders?

AngryBumblebee
01-19-2009, 07:51 PM
needs to be bled out and remember to be easy on clutch for at least 500 miles of stop and go driving.... More if highway miles. Stay away from hardshifting and Wide open throttle pulls into changing gears

nycgps
01-19-2009, 10:34 PM
you dont need no freaking machines to bleed the air out. you just need 2 human being who understands simple command like "go" and "stop" and knows how to use a wrench.

They shouldn't even let your car out the door until this has been done. jeeze.

that shop, no good.

when they finally "do it", MAKE SURE that they do it to all 4 brakes as well. TWICE.

alz0rz
01-19-2009, 10:35 PM
you dont need no freaking machines to bleed the air out. you just need 2 human being who understands simple command like "go" and "stop"

jeeze.

speaking of which......... :eyetwitch

nycgps
01-19-2009, 10:46 PM
speaking of which......... :eyetwitch

ahh, yes yes.

if u want the jack stand I can probably give it to you anytime this week.

but the work we talked about on ur car. probably not anytime soon :(

Jedi54
01-19-2009, 11:14 PM
sounds like there's air in there.
jsut out of curiosity, who did you get the parts from?

lurch519
01-19-2009, 11:14 PM
you dont need no freaking machines to bleed the air out. you just need 2 human being who understands simple command like "go" and "stop" and knows how to use a wrench.

They shouldn't even let your car out the door until this has been done. jeeze.

that shop, no good.

when they finally "do it", MAKE SURE that they do it to all 4 brakes as well. TWICE.

actually, on some vehicles you do. im not sure about on the 8, as i have never bled the clutch system, but i know on cars like the new mustangs that you need to generate vacuum on the brake master cylinder to bleed the clutch system.

niko
01-20-2009, 09:01 AM
I got the parts from rx7store.net and Amazon.com ... did some reviews and price comparisons, etc before I ordered. I called rx7store to verify that it was the correct flywheel, and they gave me the nod that it was good to go. I do agree with you about the bleeding of the hydrolics system before releasing the vehicle. I have mixed opinions about the shop I did this in, and I doubt I will do anything of this caliber with them again. It came down to price, really. The lighter flywheel does make a difference; it revs up quicker, but also looses the inertia quicker due to being lighter. Basics physics. The it being lighter also makes a different sound. Being cold at the moment, I let the car warm up (even in the garage) for at least 10 minutes and if outside (at least 30 minutes) before driving.

The pedal worries me, seriously. And what the kicker is, the guys don't give two nickles if they give it to you at the end of the day or not. If you're telling me that it could be done with a wrench and two people, kudos to you ... and loss of points for them. I'll call another shop and see if it can be done "right now". Out of curiosity...what is involved in getting the air out? Does the tranny come out again? Clutch disassembled?