2000 clutch repairs how to?

What I do is support the trans with a bottle jack and roll out the engine and front end on a floor jack. Be sure when you do this that you block up the front axle to prevent the engine from rocking on the front axle once it is rolled apart. If you don't do this, chances are the engine will roll off the jack when you roll it out. The hydraulic pump has to be unbolted from the engine. I usually leave the lines attached and block the pump up so the drive gear clears the engine. The pump and lines then will stay behind with the trans, yet you shouldn't have to worry about bleeding it when you go back together because you didn't open up any lines.

The clutch itself will either be single or two stage, depending on the type of PTO you have. A single disc clutch is very easy to work on, a double disc two stage clutch ideally requires the use of a special jig to set up the pressure plate (if necessary). You will also need an alignment tool to center both drive discs with the two stage clutch. This will be all but impossible to do without the special tool. A single clutch can be successfully centered without the special tool if you are careful.

When you go to put this thing back together, make yourself up two dowels out of 6" long 5/8" coarse thread bolts. Screw one into each side of the trans. This really helps for alignment when you go to put it back together. Also, when you are trying to get the engine and trans mated that last couple of inches or so, have a buddy grab a pair of pliers and turn the rear PTO shaft (with the PTO lever engaged). This helps in the splne line up process quite a bit.

As for cost, again, it would depend on the type of clutch you have. It also depends on whether the tractor has a loader on it or not. Working around a loader obviously complicates the labor. I would figure a good 8-10 hour job if the thing has a loader and the pressure plate needs overhauled. That's the best I can do for you cost wise. Hope this helps.

Having said that, the double clutch will likely look a little intimidating to you. If only the disc is worn, and the pressure plate surface is flat, you may be able to reuse it as is. Before you unbolt the pressure plate from the flywheel however, check the finger assys for excessive slop. This is a common probelm on these pressure plates when they get a lot of hours on them. Carefully check the struts also (which are attached to the fingers) for excessive wear.

If you find that the pressure plate needs repair, this is best done on a special jig, which your local NH dealer SHOULD have. It's not so much disassembling that requires the jig, but rather putting it back together and adjusting everything up just right, especially if you replace linkage parts.

Also, as I said in my first post, an alignment arbor is almost a must with these tractors, because you have two discs to line up. Check to see if your dealer will rent this out to you. If not, at least get some dimensions from him so you can have one made. I honestly don't think you can do this job and get that tractor back together without it. Many single disc clutches you can, but this double one would be almost impossible the way I see it.