65mechanic

Hey guys. So, I've been driving my Mustang for a while now with a little squeaking here and there coming from the throw out bearing. It's actually been about a year now. Lol. But lately it's started a newer noise. Its almost like a bad power steering pump noise when I push in the clutch and when I hold the clutch in it sounds like a whirring grinding noise. Haha. So I figure I better go ahead and drop the trans and do a clutch, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and release bearing before the throw out bearing decides to take a dump on me while I'm out of town.
So my first question is, would the Stage 1 Ram HDX be a good choice for a daily driver and a strip use every now and then? Just seeing what y'all have experienced with them to see if it's an okay clutch/pressure plate. I'm not going with any more power than it has so I think its 450 HP max is going to be fine. lol.
Next question, which release bearing to go with? I know the kit comes with one, but I really don't want it to make any noises what so ever. I've heard cheap ones going bad too early for my likes. So, I'm wondering if any of y'all went with the one included or decided to go with a stronger one.
Next question, Would resurfacing the flywheel be an okay option for the set up I'm looking at? I really don't wanna buy a $250-$300 flywheel just to have a replaceable surface and I don't need a lighter one, cause well, I just don't. lol
Last question, Which manual transmission gear oil to use? I see american muscle recomends their syncromax $20 a bottle oil. I dont mind paying that much, just seeing if its a good choice to go with. Oh and do the t-45s use automatic trans fluid? I saw that somewhere on american muscle.
"Application. Synchromax® is recommended for manual transmissions that specify an automatic transmission fluid or motor oil. Please note the T-45/T-3650 will take approximately 3.25 quarts to fill the transmission after a full transmission fluid flush."
And do I really need to buy the 4th quart for that extra 0.25 quarts?
Sorry for the long post with lots of questions, just better to ask before I go out and start throwing parts at her.
Thanks in advance for the replies guys. -Joe

Seabee1993

Are you running stock? Are you planning on doing massive upgrades?
If that is not the case, I just did my clutch, I used the dura last autozone clutch (90.00). Comes with everything you need, alignment tool, pilot bearing, throw out bearing, and the obvious in the box. I used Motorcraft mercon v, that what it's supposed to have in a T45, total volume is 3.16L or 3.33 quarts 6.90 at my dealer. Resurfacing your flywheel is a great idea! If you take it to a reputable shop, they should tell you if they can resurface it or not and should not cost you more than 45.00, and an hour of your time. Remember with new clutches rule of thumb should be a 500 mi break in period of NORMAL driving regardless of what you put on there. I'm finally realizing I don't need a lot of the overpriced crap that's out there for our cars if its just my daily driver and I romp on it occasionally.

Gary Ugarek

These things were known for this issue. My 2000 had 5 throw out bearing replacements in 2 years under Ford Warranty back in the day. The issue is lack of grease in the bearing.

65mechanic

Yeah, I really do just do a lot of daily driving but I romp on the car more than I should. Lol. $90 sounds great but when I think about doing all the work to install a duralst clutch it seems a little painful to think that it could malfunction. But I guess that's the same with any clutch. And yeah, I'm definitely aware of the 500 mile break in. But I'll definitely consider that set up. Thanks!

65mechanic

Yeah, that's why I'm asking if any one has used the release bearing that's comes with this kit. My friend has had several go bad in his v6. That's why I'm wondering if I should invest a little more into a better release bearing.

Seabee1993

If the input shaft is worn, which they do when you get grease on it where the throw out sits. Dirt can collect there and do a sandpaper effect. I grease the bearing, the pivot ball, and that's it. Most kits come with a little packet of grease too.

65mechanic

Alright guys, so I got the trans out and the throw out bearing literally fell apart as I was taking it out. I'm glad I didn't wait any longer. lol

But surprisingly the car still has the original clutch in it. So I made it last up to 149,xxx miles. I'd say that's pretty good. But, I've got a couple questions.
First off, where the throw out sat seems a little worn. My friend suggests I take some 2000 grit and sand the shaft smooth? It this a good idea? Any other options to clean up the surface?

Second quesiton, what is this bolt for? Cause it looks like its been leaking, and I wouldnt mind fixing it while the trans is out.

Thanks guys!

Seabee1993

That bolt has something do with the internals, just like the big one on the side supports the rail for 5th and R. Don't back it out! As for a fix idk. Might want to take it somewhere since you have it out of the car.
Your shaft I would just clean the gunk off and move on. I wouldn't get too crazy about it though, but that's exactly where the bearing sits.

65mechanic

Alright. I figured it had to do something with the internals cause its not a filler hole or anything. I might just clean up the entire transmission and just put a good layer of high temp rtv on top of the bolt. Thanks!