QUESTION:
UA from NJ writes: Explain what a clutch puller is
ANSWER:
On golf cars it is a devise with a hex head shaft with a threaded area for inserting into a matching threaded hole on the clutch. Notice on the sample clutch pullers all of them have several things in common. All of them have a hex for socket turning, recessed shaft, and a threaded area.
It is that threaded area you have to pay attention to when ordering a clutch puller. Thread pitch size varies from manufacturer to aftermarket designs. You will see anything from a fractional pitch of 20 to metric pitch of 1.00 mm. That puller pitch has to match the same thread pitch that is inside the clutch pulling area. If you look at the 5700 clutch shown below, notice on the end there is a hollow threaded area for the puller. On golf cars that threaded area exists after you remove the mounting bolt. On some models you have to pull the dust cover to access the mounting bolt (picture 9035). Next you should put a dab of grease on the end of the recessed puller tip. This does two things as it adds lubrication and most of all you cannot compress a liquid. Understand you are literally pushing the clutch off the crankshaft. When turning the hex head with a socket again you have to pay attention to the puller thread sizing. On small thread size pullers do not use an impact for clutch removal! If you break that puller you are in for a total nightmare to get that clutch off. You can only apply 40 to 45 foot pounds of torque on the small ones.
You should always test the threaded area to make sure there is not any damage the threads. Sometimes it is wise to “run” a tap through the clutch threads. Over time the threads can rust or corrode from the elements. If you do not have tap sizes you should purchase those from any tool supply warehouse. One old saying is “use the right tool for the job being performed”.
There is a difference from O.E.M. to aftermarket clutches and pullers. Just by saying you have a1999 model whatever, how do you know that car still has the O.E.M. clutch? You have to physically look and measure to make sure of what you actually have. Aftermarket clutches for the most part do not have the same thread size as O.E.M. Model, serial number and MFG codes are only the start of the process. Again, it is like ordering a tie rod end. How do you know you need a LH end or RH end. Yep, you have to look. Clutches have fallen under the same category as, motors, controllers and other aftermarket parts. You just cannot order those types of parts based on model, serial number or MFG code alone. You have to look first then order.
Professional golf car repair centers understand all this and if you need assistance they will be glad to help you.
