2005 TJ Flywheel Replacement

[GA05LJ]

I'm in the middle of swapping my clutch out for a new LUK unit on my 05 LJ with the NSG 370 6 speed.

Which brings me to the Flywheel.

I was going to simply replace it because that is what I've historically done while doing a clutch job but it looks like the LUK flywheel for my application is hard to find online? I cant seem to find it on Amazon.

After reading a couple threads on here I have seen where some say the flywheel rarely needs to be replaced. So I wanted to put up a couple pics of mine and see what you folks think.

 

[GA05LJ]

Anyone have a line on a replacement flywheel for the 05?

 

[williambmac]

Was it slipping at all? Did you have any clutch chatter when releasing the clutch?
What happened with the original was it oil soaked at all?
To be honest it looks like the disc may have been contaminated.
It doesnt look like your typical shiny hot spots because I can still see the ribs in the flywheel.

I typically use a dual action sander with a 120 or 180 grit disc to clean them up and don't have any problem.

LUK makes a replacement but i believe they are on backorder.

 

[JMT]

IDK what the flywheel should look like. I just know that I have been reading about replacing the clutch recently, and people say you don't usually have to replace the flywheel.

 

[GA05LJ]

Was it slipping at all? Did you have any clutch chatter when releasing the clutch?
What happened with the original was it oil soaked at all?
To be honest it looks like the disc may have been contaminated.
It doesnt look like your typical shiny hot spots because I can still see the ribs in the flywheel.

I typically use a dual action sander with a 120 or 180 grit disc to clean them up and don't have any problem.

LUK makes a replacement but i believe they are on backorder.

No slipping or chatter to speak of, the main reason for replacing the clutch was because the TOB was on it's way out.
I do know that both the RMS and valve cover gasket is leaking so that may have contaminated the disc. I'm working on the RMS right now while the trans is pulled.

If I could easily get a LUK flywheel I would probably go that route. But given the feedback on this forum that they rarely need to be replaced, I will probably take your advice and pick up a cheap orbital sander and some 120 grit and try to clean up what I have.

 

[Daryl]

As @williambmac suggested, if there’s no visible heat damage/cracks clean the surface with 180 grit emery cloth and reuse.

 

[GA05LJ]

What is the best way to clean the surface? Should I use an orbital sander or pure elbow grease with 180grit?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

What is the best way to clean the surface? Should I use an orbital sander or pure elbow grease with 180grit?

Just clean it off with emory cloth or a mild grade of sandpaper. Pure elbow grease, no sander or angle grinder.

 

[Steel City 06]

I would also clean it up with a rag and a solvent like acetone or rubbing alcohol to ensure there is no grease or oils left

 

[williambmac]

What is the best way to clean the surface? Should I use an orbital sander or pure elbow grease with 180grit?

I always use an orbital sander. Cleans the flywheel surface up nice.

 

[Irun]

When you clean it up and sand it, take a metal straight edge and lay it on the flywheel. It doesn't happen often, but I've seen a couple that were worn uneven.

 

[Daryl]

When you clean it up and sand it, take a metal straight edge and lay it on the flywheel. It doesn't happen often, but I've seen a couple that were worn uneven.

Won’t work on a TJ flywheel, they have a convex contour to them.

 

[Irun]

Won’t work on a TJ flywheel, they have a convex contour to them.

Sorry, my point was that I've seen high and low spots.

 

[cpwolf]

Now that it’s off, you should replace the bolts as well. Those were on Amazon ARP if I’m not mistaken

 

[GA05LJ]

Thanks for the advice guys, I am going to use some sandpaper and brake cleaner first. If I still have trouble I will get out the sander.

I was looking at the ARP bolts on Amazon, $30 seems steep but I probably pull the trigger on them for peace of mind.

 

[cpwolf]

Thanks for the advice guys, I am going to use some sandpaper and brake cleaner first. If I still have trouble I will get out the sander.

I was looking at the ARP bolts on Amazon, $30 seems steep but I probably pull the trigger on them for peace of mind.

My understanding is they are one tighten bolts. They aren’t meant to be taken off and torqued again.

 

[GA05LJ]

How does this flywheel look? Ive been working on it with emery cloth and brake cleaner.

There are still some spots on it but the internet has me worried about creating flat spots if i sand in one spot too long.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Looks good, install it!

 

[GA05LJ]

Looks good, install it!

Awesome, thanks.

 

[GA05LJ]

Have you guys heard of the RMS leaking to the point of contaminating the clutch?

I just bolted on the flywheel and started to clean up the bell housing before I reinstalled the trans when I noticed a thick ring of oil sludge flung 360degrees inside the bellhousing inline with the flywheel. I posted a picture of the flywheel earlier in the thread and someone commented that it looked like it may have been contaminated. I didn't think about it until I just saw the sludge in the bellhousing.

I'm starting to think I had better replace the RMS before I put everything back together. (Easier to remove oil pan with trans out of the way, I wont have to mess with the exhaust).

I knew I had a RMS / Valve Cover Leak but I didn't think it was that bad since I was only seeing a drop or two every now and then after parking it over night.