Clutches, Rear Axles, and Steering Riding the Clutch Pedal Engaging the Clutch While Coasting Riding the clutch pedal is destructive to the clutch, since partial clutch engagement permits slippage, gen- erating excessive heat. Riding the clutch pedal will also put a constant thrust load on the release bearing, which can thin out the lubricant. Release bearing failures can be attributed to this type of misuse. Engaging the clutch while coasting can result in tremen- dous shock loads and possible damage to the clutch, as well as to the entire drivetrain.
Reporting Erratic Clutch Operation Promptly Reporting erratic clutch operation as soon as possible will give maintenance personnel a chance to inspect the clutch components. Holding the Vehicle on an Incline With a Slipping Clutch A slipping clutch accumulates heat faster than it can be dissipated, resulting in early clutch failures. Never use the clutch as a hill holder. CAUTION Coasting With the Clutch Released (Pedal Depressed) and the Transmission in Gear Operating the vehicle with incorrect clutch pedal free-travel could result in clutch damage. See Group 25 of the Cargo Workshop Manual for free-pedal ad- justment procedures and specifications.
Coasting with the clutch released and the transmission in gear can cause high driven disc rpm through multipli- cation of ratios from the final drive and transmission. Clutch Adjustments Some clutches have an internal adjustment. See the applicable section in Group 25 of the Cargo Workshop Manual for clutch adjustment procedures and specifica- tions. WARNING Do not coast with the clutch released (pedal de- pressed) and the transmission in gear. High driven disc rpm could cause the clutch facing to be thrown off the disc. Flying debris could cause injury to per- sons in the cab. CAUTION Operating the vehicle with the clutch incorrectly ad- justed could result in clutch or clutch brake failure.
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