ammonman

While removing my trans and torque tube I discovered that the torque tube clamp at the engine would not move at all on the drive shaft. Then I remembered applying Loctite 209 (green) when I released the tension on the flex plate and installed a new bolt. I was extremely impressed with the holding strength of this method. I had to remove the six bolts holding the clamp assembly to the drive plate and use a large three jaw puller to remove the main portion of the clamp unit from the drive shaft.

Since the flange faces of the bolts are ribbed are they a single-use fastener? Anyone know the correct torque for those bolts?

Thanks

Mike

Bill Ball

The flexplate and flange are sold only as a unit, balanced by the way, so I hope you marked the orientation of the flange to the flexplate. The torque is listed in section 30, page 9 as 39-46 lb ft. There is no indication they are single use in the WSM, and they are not sold separately anyway, at least as far as the PET indicates.

ammonman

Thanks Bill. I just couldn't find the right WSM page. I did mark the two before taking them apart.

Mike

WallyP

Heat will help in removing parts that have LocTite applied...

Mongo

If the splines are loctited with green, I think a propane torch will loosen them up from the clamp. You may have to take a flat blade screw driver and do some hammering after it's nice and hot to separate it. Of course, be very careful not to damage the splines and pinch collar.

ammonman

Once I had the flex plate removed from the rest of the coupling it came off the shaft with very little drama and no heat required using a 8" 3 jaw puller. I was just impressed with the holding power of the Loctite.

Mike

Tails

Loctite stipulate in their instruct booklet that heat should be applied to release the Loctite. I used lactate on my flex plate clamp and it has not moved in years and if and when I need to remove the clamp I will use "heat" as per Loctite recommendation.

Tails 1990 928S4 Auto

Mongo

This was the old school way of stopping flexplate pressure, loctite green between the splines of the torque tube and pinch collar. When you pull the torque tube for a rebuild later, you just heat and separate. Like I said before, you may need to use some added force with a mallot and screw driver; piece of wood would be better though to prevent marring parts.