Pressure Plate

This procedure removes and replaces the pressure plate on a 2008 Dodge Viper with 8.4L V10 engine, requiring transmission removal for clutch assembly access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Pressure plate assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or performance equivalent
• Clutch disc (recommend replacement with pressure plate) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Pilot bearing (recommend inspection/replacement) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission input shaft seal (inspect and replace if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Pressure plate mounting bolts × 6 — Use new hardware recommended

Fluids

• Pennzoil Synchromesh 75W-90 — 4.2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove both rear wheels
5. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
6. Place transmission jack under transmission for support

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove exhaust system components
   Disconnect exhaust at manifold flanges or at closest slip joint behind catalytic converters. The Viper side-exit exhaust system requires removal of the rear sections to provide clearance for transmission removal. Support exhaust components as you disconnect hangers and remove mounting hardware. Set aside exhaust sections in a safe location.
2. 2

   Drain transmission fluid
   Position drain pan under transmission. If equipped, remove the transmission fill/drain plug and drain fluid (verify plug location for the T56 transmission). Reinstall plug to prevent contamination during transmission removal.
3. 3

   Disconnect driveshaft
   Mark alignment of driveshaft to rear differential flange with paint pen for proper reinstallation orientation. Remove the 4 bolts securing driveshaft to differential. Support driveshaft and slide forward to remove from differential yoke. Lower driveshaft and remove from vehicle, or secure out of the way if leaving rear section attached.
4. 4

   Disconnect shift linkage and wiring
   Disconnect shift linkage at transmission by removing the linkage rod retaining clips and pins. Disconnect vehicle speed sensor electrical connector and any other wiring harnesses connected to transmission. Disconnect reverse light switch connector. Label connections if necessary for reassembly reference.
5. 5

   Disconnect clutch hydraulic line
   Disconnect the clutch hydraulic line at the transmission fitting. The Viper uses an internal concentric slave cylinder (hydraulic throw-out bearing); disconnect the quick-connect line at the transmission and cap or plug the line to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Be prepared for minor DOT brake fluid spillage.
6. 6

   Remove transmission crossmember
   With transmission jack supporting transmission weight, remove the 4 bolts securing transmission crossmember to frame rails. Remove the 2 bolts or nuts securing transmission mount to crossmember. Lower crossmember and remove from vehicle.
7. 7

   Remove transmission-to-bellhousing bolts
   Remove all bellhousing-to-engine block bolts. There are 6 bolts securing the transmission bellhousing to the engine block on the Viper. Ensure transmission is fully supported on transmission jack before removing final bolts.
8. 8

   Remove transmission
   With assistant help, carefully slide transmission straight back away from engine to disengage input shaft from clutch disc and pilot bearing. Keep transmission level and aligned to avoid damaging clutch disc or input shaft. Once clear of bellhousing, lower transmission jack and remove transmission from under vehicle. Exercise extreme caution due to weight and confined space.
9. 9

   Inspect clutch and flywheel
   With transmission removed, inspect clutch disc for wear, oil contamination, or damage. Inspect flywheel surface for heat checking, cracks, or glazing. Inspect pressure plate fingers for wear. Check pilot bearing for roughness or noise by spinning with finger. If flywheel shows significant wear, resurfacing or replacement is required before installing new pressure plate.
10. 10

    Mark and remove pressure plate
    Mark the pressure plate position relative to flywheel with paint pen to maintain balance if reusing (though replacement is standard). Use flywheel holding tool to prevent crankshaft rotation. Remove the 6 pressure plate mounting bolts in a star pattern, loosening each bolt 2-3 turns at a time to prevent warping the pressure plate. Once all bolts are removed, carefully remove pressure plate and clutch disc assembly.
11. 11

    Clean and prepare flywheel surface
    Clean flywheel surface thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free cloth. Do not use compressed air on clutch components. Inspect flywheel for cracks or excessive heat damage. Ensure all mounting bolt holes are clean and threads are undamaged. If pilot bearing is being replaced, remove old bearing with puller and install new bearing using appropriately sized driver, ensuring it is fully seated and square.
12. 12

    Install clutch disc and new pressure plate
    Insert clutch alignment tool through clutch disc and into pilot bearing to center disc on flywheel. The clutch disc has a specific orientation - the side marked 'flywheel side' or with the larger protruding hub faces the pressure plate/transmission. Position new pressure plate over clutch disc, aligning dowel pins if present or following balance marks if reusing original orientation. Install new pressure plate mounting bolts finger-tight.
13. 13

    Torque pressure plate bolts
    Using flywheel holding tool to prevent rotation, tighten the 6 pressure plate bolts in a star pattern to final torque specification in three stages: first to 15 ft-lbs, then to 25 ft-lbs, then to final specification of 40 ft-lbs. This gradual tightening prevents pressure plate distortion. Once torqued, verify clutch alignment tool still moves freely, confirming proper clutch disc alignment.
14. 14

    Reinstall transmission
    Verify clutch alignment tool is still in place. Apply light coat of high-temperature grease to transmission input shaft splines (do not over-grease). With assistant and transmission jack, carefully lift transmission into position. Align input shaft with clutch disc and pilot bearing using alignment tool as guide. Slide transmission forward, ensuring input shaft enters pilot bearing smoothly. Once bellhousing is flush with engine block, remove clutch alignment tool through bellhousing inspection cover if accessible, or by slightly lowering transmission. Install all bellhousing-to-engine bolts and tighten to specification of 40 ft-lbs.
15. 15

    Complete transmission installation
    Reinstall transmission crossmember and mount, tightening frame rail bolts to 45 ft-lbs and mount fasteners to 35 ft-lbs. Reconnect clutch hydraulic line to slave cylinder and ensure connection is secure. Reconnect all electrical connectors (speed sensor, reverse light switch). Reconnect shift linkage, ensuring proper engagement and secure retention. Reinstall driveshaft, aligning marks made during removal, and torque flange bolts to 60 ft-lbs in star pattern.
16. 16

    Complete final assembly
    Reinstall exhaust system components, ensuring proper hanger engagement and sealing at all connections. Refill transmission with the manufacturer-specified manual transmission fluid to the correct capacity (verify fluid type and quantity against Viper service documentation) through the fill plug. Reinstall rear wheels and torque lug nuts to specification. Lower vehicle from jack stands. Reconnect negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specifications in reverse order of removal
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Verify shift linkage operates smoothly through all gears before test drive
4. Double-check that all exhaust hangers are properly engaged to prevent exhaust rattle

Verification

• Start engine and verify no abnormal noises from bellhousing area
• With engine running and clutch pedal depressed, verify smooth engagement into all gears
• Test clutch engagement point - should be smooth and consistent without chatter or slipping
• Perform test drive with multiple acceleration and deceleration cycles, verifying no clutch slip under load
• Check for any fluid leaks around transmission, slave cylinder hydraulic connection, and rear main seal area
• Verify proper clutch pedal feel and return; bleed hydraulic system if pedal feels soft or has excessive travel

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