Hyundai Repair: Hundai Tiburon clutch V6, 5 speed, heavy duty clutch, hundai tiburon

Question
Hi HT,
I have a 2005 Tiburon V6 that I have taken the trans out of to diagnose a problem with the clutch. Surprise it has a pull clutch, I have never ran into one of these type clutches in a small car.  I have accesed (www.hmaservice.com ) to find some guidance on the installation, but was not able to find any real help.  This car has had 2 clutches in 30K miles done at a local dealer, they refused to do another and that is how I came to have this in my backyard.  When I pulled the trans the bushing that the throwout bearing attaches was hanging inside of the pressure plate fingers on the input shaft.  This clutch has less than 100 miles on it.  The driver has two other trucks that are manuals and has not had any problems with them ( clutch related).  I need to know just how to get the throwout bearing to connect to the bushing Properly so that I wont have to this a second time.  Thanks Wayne

Answer
Hi, Wayne.  It sounds like the throwout bearing came apart, and you'll need a new one.  If you haven't done so already, take the release shaft lever loose from the top of the trans and put it back on upside down (just finger tighten the nut).  The bearing assembly slides onto the input shaft collar, and you'll rotate the release fork fingers into the bearing as you slide it on.

Then, leave the bearing on the forks all the way in the back of the bell housing, and leave the lever upside down for trans installation.  When you've got the clutch in and the trans bolted back up, then pry the lever away from the front of the car to snap the throwout bearing into the pressure plate.

If you're not too far along, you may wish to consider buying an aftermarket heavy duty clutch.  People with clutch wear issues have reported good results with this, but I've never done one myself, so I have no personal anecdotes to offer.