In this month’s Schaeffler LuK Clutch Clinic, REPXPERT Alistair Mason is replacing the clutch on a 2015 Kia Carens, fitted with a 1.7 CRDi engine that has covered more than 112,000 miles.
Vehicle Information
Make: Kia
Model: Carens
Year: 2015
Engine: 1.7 CRDi
Mileage: 112,000
Kia launched the Carens compact MPV in the UK and Ireland in 1999 and it has proven to be a popular model for the company, now spanning four generations.
The owner of this particular vehicle had reported clutch slip; after the vehicle was road tested and a clutch replacement was diagnosed, the vehicle was booked in and the parts ordered in advance. With a book time of 3.9 hours, little investment in workshop equipment and all the technical information available on the REPXPERT workshop information system, this replacement makes a great repair for any independent workshop.
Gearbox removal
With the vehicle placed on the ramp, open the bonnet, remove the air ducting to the air filter and then the air filter assembly, followed by the battery, engine control unit (Fig.1) and the battery carrier, which then gives good access to the top of the gearbox (Fig.2).
Disconnect both multiplugs on the top of the gearbox, then the gear cables and remove the cable support bracket and the crank sensor on the back of the gearbox, followed by the upper bell housing bolts. Then remove the grommet in the N/S inner wing to gain access to the gearbox mounting bolts (Fig.3).
Raise the ramp to gain access to the underside of the vehicle and remove the undertray and then the gearbox oil drain plug to drain the gearbox oil. Whilst it’s draining, lower the ramp to waist height and remove both front wheels and then the N/S/F splash guard (Fig.4). The next part of the process is to detach the driveshafts, so remove both hub nuts, release both bottom ball joints, ease the shafts out of the hubs and, once free, the driveshafts can be levered out of the gearbox and removed from the vehicle.
Remove the lower gearbox pendulum mounting and then disconnect the bottom intercooler hose, remove the small bottom bell housing plate, then the lower bell housing bolts, leaving an accessible bolt to support the gearbox until the point of its removal. At the front of the gearbox, disconnect the multiplug, then remove the clutch slave cylinder and pipe bracket, gearbox earth strap and the starter motor bolts and support the engine with a transmission jack.
To access the gearbox mounting, remove the two bolts through the hole in the inner wing (Fig.5), and remove the mounting from the gearbox. Lower the engine and gearbox assembly, but support the gearbox with a second transmission jack, and remove the final bell housing bolts to ease the gearbox away from the engine. When clear, lower the gearbox on the transmission jack and remove from the vehicle.
Clutch Replacement
Remove the clutch assembly from the flywheel, inspect the back of the engine for any leaks, and rectify if required, then clean the back of the engine and flywheel with brake and clutch dust cleaner. As a solid flywheel is fitted, remove the glaze from the flywheel face using some emery cloth and clean again with brake and clutch dust cleaner.
Remove the release bearing and arm from the gearbox and closely inspect them for any wear on the release arm, pivot point and especially the release bearing guide tube, as these can be prone to wear and cause release bearing issues. Finally clean the bell housing area with brake and clutch dust cleaner.
Fit the release arm and bearing, but be aware of the rule that if it is plastic/nylon running on metal – no lubrication is required, whereas metal running on metal – lubrication is required, and a light smear of high melting point grease is advised. Apply a light smear of the grease to the gearbox input shaft splines, mount the new clutch plate onto the input shaft, which will confirm the clutch plate is the correct fitment and it will also evenly distribute the lubrication on the input shaft. Then remove the clutch plate and wipe off any excess grease.
Ensure the clutch plate faces the correct component and, using a universal clutch alignment tool, align with the clutch pressure plate and secure. Mount the clutch assembly onto the flywheel (Fig.6), insert all clutch bolts and tighten and torque them in an even and sequential process. Then, remove the clutch alignment tool.
Before refitting the gearbox, ensure all wiring etc. is clear of the bell housing area so that it does not get trapped. Check the gearbox alignment dowels are fitted to the engine and that the release mechanism in the gearbox is fitted and functioning correctly.
Gearbox replacement
Place the gearbox on the transmission jack, bring the gearbox close to the engine, ease the gearbox into position and ensure it locates on the alignment dowels. When in position, fit two easily accessible bell housing bolts and tighten, then refit all the components in reverse order of their removal and torque all bolts to the manufacturer’s specification. After the battery lead has been reconnected, reset all electrical consumers.
Note – if the locking tabs break off during their removal, new hub nuts may be required. In addition, to ensure a successful repair, always carry out a thorough road test.
