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MG MGA - grease clutch plate splines?

Should the clutch plate splines be lightly greased when installing a new clutch?

Thanks, George
G Goeppner

Not necessary, but check to see that the plate will slide on the input shaft before in stalling the pressure plate. We had to touch-up the splines with a file before putting the engine back in a Magnette.
David Werblow

I have fitted two clutch plates without grease on the splines, and driven extensive miles on them without any issues. (I changed the clutch because the engine was out anyway, and it seemed a cheap precaution). This includes around 10 years' with very few miles, and even then I've had no signs of the splines binding.
David
D Brown

Don't worry about the clutch splines as there is relatively small movement there - the spigot bearing is what you need to lubricate especially if you do not select neutral when stopped at traffic lights, etc. Exedy lubricant is very good.
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

Also, you must soak the spigot bushing in motor oil for 24 hours or so, before installing it....It will absorb the oil, because it is made of porous bronze. Make certain that the bushing will slide onto the input shaft, before you install it....
Sometimes they are too tight and must be reamed slightly, either on the lathe, or with fine sand paper.
Edward
Edward Wesson 52TD

A;so important to be sure the gearbox input shaft will slide into the spigot bushing after installation. Sometimes the process of pressing the bushing into the crankshaft will shrink the bushing or create a burr on the back end, which can cause the input shaft to bind, and bother the clutch action. The bushing commonly wants to be reamed after installation.
Barney Gaylord

Yes the splines should be greased and every Borg & Beck kit comes with a small tube of red grease for that very purpose.

No need to soak the bush for 24 hrs - just balance it on one thumb end, fill to the brim with oil, place other thumb on top and squeeze - the oil will bubble out the pores.

Don't ream the bush- it will close up the pores.

If the bush is too tight then find a better source for them!

Drive the bush in using a proper drift with pilot the same size as the input shaft - this can easily be made out of hardwood or an old input shaft with a collar slid over the nose. Using an old shaft also means you can check the fit when fitted.

Chris at Octarine Services

I use a little copper-ease to lubricate the splines.
J Bray

A little copper grease on the splines will do more good than harm. Just be sure you don't put too much grease which could easily find itself on the clutch plate.

Frank
F Camilleri

Chris
It isn't like we here in the States can easily just go shopping around for spigot bushings...Each time we get an incorrect one, it costs money to either toss it in the parts bin, or send it back.....Money can add up pretty fast that way....The bushing may be cheap, but shipping and handling can cost three times as much as the part.
I've never had a problem reaming the bushing, when needed, and don't remember every getting one that didn't absorb oil, after reaming....I guess anything is possible, though.
Edward
Edward Wesson 52TD

A sharp reamer will cut cleanly without closing the pores.
Barney Gaylord

This thread was discussed between 21/08/2013 and 25/08/2013

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