Throw-Out Bearing

Replace the throw-out bearing (clutch release bearing) in a 2008 Dodge Viper with 8.4L V10, requiring transmission removal to access the clutch assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Throw-out bearing (clutch release bearing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission input shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Clutch fork boot (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission fluid × 1 — Pennzoil Synchromesh 75W-90

Fluids

• transmission_manual — 4.2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable.
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on four jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points.
4. Remove rear wheels if additional clearance is needed for exhaust work.
5. Allow exhaust system to cool completely before beginning work.

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Position drain pan under transmission. Remove the transmission drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely. Reinstall drain plug finger-tight for now to prevent debris entry during disassembly.
2. 2

   Remove driveshaft
   Mark the driveshaft flange and differential flange alignment with paint or a scribe for reinstallation reference. Remove the bolts securing the driveshaft to the rear differential flange (verify exact count against the service manual). Verify the driveline configuration for this vehicle. Disengage the driveshaft from the transmission output shaft/coupling per the service manual, then support and remove the driveshaft from under the vehicle. Support the driveshaft and remove it from under the vehicle.
3. 3

   Disconnect clutch hydraulic line
   Locate the hydraulic clutch line connection at the clutch slave cylinder (concentric slave cylinder mounted to the transmission bellhousing). Disconnect the hydraulic quick-connect fitting by pressing the release tabs and pulling the line away. Place a rag underneath to catch any fluid spillage. Cap or plug the line to prevent contamination.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connectors and shifter
   Disconnect the reverse light switch connector and vehicle speed sensor connector from the transmission. Remove the shifter assembly by removing the mounting bolts from inside the cabin or by disconnecting the shifter linkage at the transmission, depending on access. If removing from inside, remove the shifter boot and unbolts the shifter mechanism.
5. 5

   Support engine and transmission
   Position a transmission jack under the transmission case with a block of wood to spread the load. Raise the jack slightly to support the transmission weight. Place a floor jack under the engine oil pan with a block of wood to support the engine once the transmission mount is removed.
6. 6

   Remove transmission crossmember and mount
   Remove the fasteners securing the transmission mount to the crossmember. Remove the fasteners securing the crossmember to the frame rails on both sides. Lower and remove the crossmember from the vehicle. The transmission is now supported solely by the transmission jack.
7. 7

   Remove bellhousing-to-engine bolts
   Remove all bellhousing bolts securing the transmission to the engine block. There are multiple bolts around the perimeter of the bellhousing. Some bolts may be accessed from above or below. On the Viper V10, remove the bellhousing bolts of varying lengths (verify exact count and length against OEM service manual before disassembly). Note the position and length of each bolt for proper reinstallation.
8. 8

   Remove transmission
   Verify all fasteners, lines, and connectors are disconnected. Carefully slide the transmission rearward on the transmission jack, ensuring the input shaft disengages from the clutch disc and pilot bearing. The throw-out bearing will remain on the transmission input shaft. Move slowly and keep the transmission level to avoid binding. Once clear of the clutch assembly, lower the transmission and remove from under the vehicle.
9. 9

   Remove throw-out bearing
   With the transmission on a workbench, inspect the throw-out bearing (concentric slave cylinder assembly) mounted around the transmission input shaft. The throw-out bearing on the Viper is typically a concentric hydraulic design that slides onto the input shaft bearing retainer. Remove the retaining clip or fasteners securing the throw-out bearing to the transmission. Slide the old bearing assembly off the input shaft.
10. 10

    Inspect clutch components and input shaft
    Inspect the clutch pressure plate fingers for wear, scoring, or discoloration. Check the clutch disc for remaining friction material thickness, cracks, or oil contamination. Inspect the flywheel surface for heat checking, scoring, or glazing. Check the transmission input shaft splines for wear or damage. Replace the input shaft seal at this time. If clutch components show significant wear, replace the entire clutch assembly now.
11. 11

    Install new throw-out bearing
    Clean the transmission input shaft bearing retainer thoroughly. Apply a light coat of high-temperature grease to the input shaft bearing surface where the throw-out bearing slides. Slide the new throw-out bearing onto the input shaft, ensuring it seats fully against the transmission case or retainer. Install the retaining clip or fasteners to secure the bearing in place. Connect the hydraulic line port if it's a concentric design.
12. 12

    Reinstall transmission
    Apply a small amount of high-temperature grease to the input shaft splines. Position the transmission on the transmission jack and raise it into position behind the engine. Align the input shaft with the clutch disc splines (use the clutch alignment tool if the clutch was removed). Carefully slide the transmission forward, ensuring the input shaft engages the clutch disc and pilot bearing without binding. Guide the bellhousing to the engine block and start all bellhousing bolts by hand before tightening.
13. 13

    Torque bellhousing bolts
    Tighten the bellhousing-to-engine bolts in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating. Since no torque specification is provided in the database, follow manufacturer specifications from the service manual. Do not rely on a generic value; obtain the exact bellhousing-to-engine bolt torque specification from the OEM service manual for this vehicle before tightening.
14. 14

    Reinstall transmission mount and crossmember
    Raise the transmission slightly with the transmission jack. Position the crossmember and secure it to the frame rails. Install and tighten the transmission mount fasteners. Lower the transmission jack slightly to transfer weight to the mount, then remove the jack and engine support jack.
15. 15

    Reconnect components
    Reconnect the clutch hydraulic line to the slave cylinder, ensuring the quick-connect fitting clicks into place securely. Reconnect all electrical connectors (reverse light switch, speed sensor). Reinstall or reconnect the shifter assembly and linkage. Align the driveshaft marks and install the driveshaft, tightening the flange bolts to the OEM-specified torque (verify exact bolt count against the service manual).
16. 16

    Refill transmission and bleed clutch
    Remove the transmission fill plug and use a fluid transfer pump to refill the transmission with the OEM-specified quantity and type of manual transmission fluid (verify exact capacity and fluid specification against the service manual). Reinstall and tighten the fill plug. Bleed the clutch hydraulic system by pumping the clutch pedal and holding it down while opening the bleeder valve at the slave cylinder. Repeat until no air bubbles are present and the pedal feels firm.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels if removed and torque lug nuts to specification.
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands.
3. Reconnect negative battery cable.
4. Verify proper clutch pedal feel and engagement before driving.

Verification

• Start the engine with the clutch pedal depressed. The engine should start without the transmission engaging.
• With the engine running and clutch pedal depressed, shift through all gears to verify smooth engagement without grinding.
• Release the clutch pedal slowly in first gear. The clutch should engage smoothly without slipping, chattering, or unusual noise.
• Check under the vehicle for any fluid leaks from the transmission or hydraulic clutch line.
• Test drive the vehicle through all gears, verifying smooth shifts and proper clutch operation under load.
• Listen for any abnormal noises from the transmission or clutch area during engagement and disengagement.

More procedures for this vehicle