Noob question about clutch/flywheel

[sr20detconv]

Do I need to use locktight on the flywheel and clutch bolts.Some say I need to use new bolt.Can someone clarify this for me.
thanx

[Luvs2slide]

it would be wise to use it. I have heard of times when they bolts backed out.

[jhec23]

if you torque it within specs then it should be okay. I didn't use one on my last clutch swap

[Dream240]

I have never used Loc-tite on my flyhweel/clutch bolts and have never had a problem. Just make sure you torque them to spec.

Flywheel bolts - 110 ft lbs. IIRC
Pressure plate bolts - 20 ft lbs. IIRC

[sr20detconv]

I have looked in the fsm and it was 33fl-lbs for the clutch...

[Dream240]

ah....no. Since you're gonna make me look it up....

Per FSM:

Clutch pressure plate torque specs:

22 - 29 N*m
2.2 - 3.0 kg*m
16 - 22 ft-lb

[FRoSt415]

the only way you need new bolts is if they are stripped, broken or chipped. if you want nice clean bolts just get a wire brush and get the old locktite and corrosion off with that. if you doing youself have someone with experience help you and dont forget where the tranny bolts go!

[sr20detconv]

thank you for the clear answers!

[Kwonza Says]

Yes use good flywheel bolts and lock tight...My flywheel bolt broke on me in my clutch it almost messed everything up!!

[Master_Ly]

I suggest using Loc-tite on the bolts and torque to the appropriate lbs in a criss-cross/star pattern in respect of the flywheel. You best bet is to also reference the instruction booklet that usually accompanies aftermarket clutch kits or flywheels. I can attest for a fact that when I got the ACT Lite flywheel for my last car, it specifically "recommended" to use loc-tite.

If my memory serves me right, I didn't use any for the ACT Heavy Duty pressure plate though since the literature didn't say it was needed.

If those bolts come off, you are going to have a very expensive mess but ultimately the choice is yours.

Good luck.

Ly

[Dream240]

Okay obviously if the instruction manual for an AFTERMARKET part advises on using loc-tite then by all means, follow the directions. The FSM doesn't list information that pertains to anything other than FACTORY OEM stuff. And no-where in there does it mention loc-tite.

As far as needing new bolts, technically yes you should always buy new bolts when it comes to disassembly/reassembly of anything pertaining to your block/head. The reason for this is every bolt has a yield strength rating. This rating represents the amount of torque the bolt can handle before it stretches and looses it's integrity. Which is why there's a torque spec for bolts. You tighten it too much and you stretch the bolt beyond it's capacity, effectively weakening it's ability to hold the needed parts in place.

This is the main reason guys have bolts back out, break off, or just plain strip on them. Based on my experience, you could reuse bolts as long as you were torquing them down to the proper setting. I bought new flywheel bolts when I did my 5-speed swap and I am still using them, even after 4 remove/reinstall. No problems.

The only type of bolts I would always recommend not reusing are head bolts. Mainly because they are designed as one-time torque bolts. These type of bolts are usually called Torque-to-Yield (TTY) bolts. Otherwise you risk a leaking head gasket.

Hope this helps.

[GSXRJJordan]

^^^ Yup, Dream240 is on his game. Torques and suggestions are correct.

[Master_Ly]

To add as a side thought to Dream240's beautiful elaboration, 240s or any other older car in some cases can be aged cars with high miles so go ahead and treat it to new bolts and such. You are not going to recycle a 7+ years old air filter, are you? It would just makes sense to for peace of mind.

Ly