GM 12570280
Pressure Plate

The first step to adjust the clutch pressure plate off the vehicle requires placing the flat surface of the pressure plate onto a press. The spring fingers must be compressed on the pressure plate diaphragm until tension releases from the stepped adjusting ring. Two screwdrivers or suitable tools need to apply pressure to two tension spring stops on the stepped adjusting ring that are located ahead of the adjusting ring tension springs. Use two screwdrivers or suitable tools to rotate the stepped adjusting ring counterclockwise until the tension springs fully stretch all step positions before keeping it in position. Relax the applied force which was initially applied to the fingers of the pressure plate diaphragm spring and to the adjusting ring tension spring stops. Complete the operation by taking the pressure plate from the press.

Start the Clutch Disc repair and service by disconnecting the negative Battery Cable then supporting the vehicle in an elevated position. You should begin by removing the Catalytic Converter and driveline support assembly with transaxle then evaluate the engine Flywheel inspection cover bolts and remove the cover itself. Start by rotating the engine Flywheel and releasing the visible clutch Pressure Plate bolts through multiple rotations for every bolt. First remove all remaining clutch Pressure Plate bolts before taking out the clutch Pressure Plate and clutch driven plate. Examine the clutch Pressure Plate alongside the clutch driven plate to check for damage and wear. Also check whether the engine Flywheel shows any indications of damage. Before the clutch driven plate and clutch Pressure Plate get installed onto the engine Flywheel, make any necessary adjustments to the clutch Pressure Plate. Putting first touch tension on visible clutch Pressure Plate bolts and turning the engine Flywheel in the specified direction resulted in each bolt's initial finger-tight state. This process was repeated to achieve finger-tight installation on all bolts. The pilot bushing installer/clutch alignment arbor (J 38836) enables alignment of the clutch driven plate against the Pilot Bearing. Follow this sequence when tightening clutch Pressure Plate bolts at three stages then apply 70 nm (52 foot pounds) during the fourth stage. Reattach the engine Flywheel inspection cover and bolting hardware with a torque setting of 25 nm (18 ft. Lbs.). Put back all components starting from driveline support assembly through transaxle before installing the Catalytic Converter. Conclusion of work includes reconnecting the negative Battery Cable with proper bolt torque at 15 nm (11 ft. Lbs.) and programming transmitters before lowering the vehicle down.

Install the bolts finger tight.

Inspect the clutch pressure plate and clutch driven plate for wear or damage, and inspect the engine flywheel.

Install the clutch pressure plate bolts finger tight, then tighten them to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).