Removal & Installation: Clutch: Installation

1990 Pontiac Grand Prix STE, 3.1 VSECTION Removal & Installation
  1. Position clutch disc and pressure plate onto flywheel. Install clutch disc with damper springs toward transaxle. Stamped letters identify "Flywheel Side". Using clutch aligner, center clutch disc.
  2. Using a crisscross sequence, install and tighten pressure plate-to-flywheel attaching bolts evenly and gradually. Lightly lubricate fork ends and pack I.D. recess of release bearing with grease.
  3. Ensure bearing pads are located on fork ends and spring ends are in fork holes with spring completely seated in bearing groove.
    NOTE: Clutch lever must not move toward flywheel until transaxle is mounted to engine or damage to transaxle will occur.
  4. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Torque all bolts to specification.


  1. Using index marks, position clutch disc and pressure plate onto flywheel. Clutch disc stamped letters identify "Flywheel Side". Using clutch aligner, center clutch disc.
  2. Using a crisscross sequence, tighten attaching bolts gradually and evenly. Remove clutch aligner and lubricate fork fingers, ball socket, inside of release bearing collar and clutch fork groove with graphite grease.
  3. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure and torque all bolts to specification. Check system for proper operation.


  1. Position clutch disc with damper springs toward transmission and side marked "Flywheel Side" toward flywheel. Use clutch aligner to support and center clutch disc.
  2. Position pressure plate on flywheel. Using a crisscross sequence, tighten pressure plate attaching bolts gradually and evenly to prevent distortion. Remove clutch aligner. Apply a light coat of graphite grease to ball socket, fork fingers at release bearing end, inside of release bearing collar and clutch fork groove.
  3. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Torque all bolts to specification. Check system for proper operation.
CAUTION: DO NOTΒ  overtighten bolts attaching driveline beam to transmission. Overtightening can damage bushing and seal in overdrive unit and result in fluid leakage. Inadequate fluid level will damage transmission.


  1. Position clutch disc and pressure plate onto flywheel. Install clutch disc with damper springs toward transaxle. Stamped letters identify clutch disc "Flywheel Side". Using clutch aligner, center clutch disc.
  2. Using a crisscross sequence, install and tighten pressure plate-to-flywheel attaching bolts evenly and gradually. Lightly lubricate fork ends and pack I.D. recess of release bearing with grease.
  3. Ensure bearing pads are located on fork ends and spring ends are in fork holes with spring completely seated in bearing groove.
    NOTE: Clutch lever must not move toward flywheel until transaxle is mounted to engine or damage to transaxle will occur.
  4. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all bolts to specification.


  1. Position clutch disc and pressure plate onto flywheel. Install clutch disc with damper springs toward transaxle. Stamped letters identify "Flywheel Side". Using clutch aligner, center clutch disc.
  2. Using a crisscross sequence, install and tighten pressure plate-to-flywheel attaching bolts evenly and gradually. Lightly lubricate fork ends and pack I.D. recess of release bearing with grease.
  3. Ensure bearing pads are located on fork ends and spring ends are in fork holes with spring completely seated in bearing groove.
  4. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all bolts to specification.
NOTE: Clutch lever must not move toward flywheel until transaxle is mounted to engine or damage to transaxle will occur.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.