Circle Track Magazine Homepage Circle Track
Get Adobe Flash player

Rebuilding a Bert Racing Transmission

Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Clutch Pack Assembly
Here's the entire clutch pack... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Clutch Pack Assembly
Here's the entire clutch pack assembly. Note that there are three Torrington-style bearings between the spacer shims (seven in total). Make sure that you remember where they go so that you won't forget one when you reassemble the unit.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Worn Friction Disc
Here's a worn friction disc... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Worn Friction Disc
Here's a worn friction disc (left) compared to a new disc. If there are black heat rings on the friction clutch disc, it needs to be replaced. New friction discs are 0.105 inch thick. If your discs are less than 0.095 inch, they should also be replaced. Before installing new friction discs, soak them in type F transmission fluid for at least 30 minutes.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Remove The Glaze
The steel clutch plates are... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Remove The Glaze
The steel clutch plates are very durable but can get glazed over, which reduces their effectiveness. You can remove any glazing by scuffing the plates lightly with 320-grit sandpaper.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Reinstall The New Clutch Plates
Reinstall the new clutch plates... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Reinstall The New Clutch Plates
Reinstall the new clutch plates in the housing, interchanging between the steel plates and friction discs (there should be a friction disc on the outside on both sides). Be sure to replace the Torrington bearings in the same locations. If you forget the Torrington bearings, you will get metal-on-metal contact and the transmission will lock up before you take the green flag.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Tailshaft Piston
The clutch is engaged with... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Tailshaft Piston
The clutch is engaged with this piston assembly housed in the tailshaft that actuates on the clutch shaft. When rebuilding the transmission, remove and inspect the components and replace the seal to reduce the chance of developing a leak.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Compress
Before it can be reinstalled... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Compress
Before it can be reinstalled in the housing, the clutch assembly must be compressed. You can do this with a piece of threaded rod and a few nuts and washers. Make sure that all the clutch plates slide smoothly in the grooves on the inside of the clutch housing so that you don't bend a plate.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Slide The Assembly Back Into The Housing
Slide the assembly back into... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Slide The Assembly Back Into The Housing
Slide the assembly back into the housing and use the vise grips to keep the clutch assembly compressed while you remove the threaded rod.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Switch To The Smaller C Clamp
Now switch back to the smaller... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Switch To The Smaller C Clamp
Now switch back to the smaller C-clamp so that you can slide the clutch shaft assembly back into its proper location and drive the shaft on which it rides in place.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild How It Fits
Another view shows how it... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild How It Fits
Another view shows how it fits back in place.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Check For Play
Check the play in the clutch... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Check For Play
Check the play in the clutch pack housing again to make sure you have the necessary 31/416 to 11/44 inch of travel.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Slide The Input Shaft Into Position
Slide the input shaft loosely... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Slide The Input Shaft Into Position
Slide the input shaft loosely into position.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Reassemble The Output Shaft Into The Tailhousing
Reassemble the output shaft... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Reassemble The Output Shaft Into The Tailhousing
Reassemble the output shaft into the tailhousing. You can use a gasket on the tailhousing, but Cook says the most dependable way to prevent leaks is simply to use a thin film of silicone.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Drive The Main Bearing Into The Housing
Connect the input and output... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Drive The Main Bearing Into The Housing
Connect the input and output shafts and bolt the tailhousing in place. Carefully drive the main bearing into the housing and install the C-clips that secure it.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Installing The Shifter Forks
The shifter forks and slider... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Installing The Shifter Forks
The shifter forks and slider shafts are installed in the reverse order that they were removed. Getting the springs, steel bearings, and the steel spacer in the right position can be a bit difficult because they have to be compressed while you position the slider shafts. Just be patient.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Slider Shafts
When reassembling the slider... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Slider Shafts
When reassembling the slider shafts, remember that the reverse shaft has two notches while the primary has only one. Use plenty of high-pressure lube on the shafts to protect them until the transmission fluid manages to work its way in there.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Removing The Slider Shaft
After unbolting the housing... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Removing The Slider Shaft
After unbolting the housing cap, the slider shaft can be removed. Be sure to catch all the stainless steel bearings as they come out.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Checking For Grooves
The grooves in the shaft in... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Checking For Grooves
The grooves in the shaft in which the bearings ride catch dirt and grit fairly easily. Clean the shaft and relubricate with a good CV joint grease.
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Check The Seal
Don't forget to check the... 
   
  read full caption
Bert Racing Transmission Rebuild Check The Seal
Don't forget to check the seal. If the shaft has been slammed back into the tailhousing, it is possible for the seal to be damaged as this one has been. Go ahead and replace it.
Bert Transmission
St. Constant, Canada  PQ, J5A 2E
Jim Cook Racing

Prev | 1  | 2

Toyota Tacoma Research
Toyota Tacoma When shopping for a new car take a look at the Toyota Tacoma. The 2010 Tacoma goes for a suggested retail price of $24,595.00. It has had 3 vehicle recalls, which can give you an idea about its reliability. You may also be interested in the Mitsubishi Eclipse and the Dodge Viper.

Related Racing Pictures

Related Articles
 
Pony Stock Racing Tech Tips - Pony Stock Racing Tech
We've gleaned some good tech tips for you from Smith's book, which you will definitely find interesting if you race in this division or are preparing to race a Pony Stock.... more
 
24 Hours Of LeMons - Lemons Again
Circle Track's Honda Accord Takes To The Track Again At 24 Hours Of LeMons... more
 
Hendrick Motorsports Chassis Building - Chassis Science - Feature Tech
Being competitive in today's racing environment means that every aspect of a race car must be scrutinized for optimum performance. Serious competitors don't have the luxury of leaving even the... more
 
Rear Spring Shackle and Leaf Spring Science - Q&A - Track Tech
I have a couple of questions I am hoping you can help me with. I know that rear-spring shackle location in reference to its height above or below the leaf spring's solid front mount can make a... more
 
Race Car Chassis - Race Car Design Basics
Race Car Chassis - Race Car Design Basics... more
 
Race Car Driver Tony Stewart - Tony Stewart
As a past champion in Midgets, Sprints, Silver Crown, and the Indy Racing League (1997), Tony Stewart, a self-proclaimed "14-year-old kid in a 27-year-old body,"... more
 
Madison International Speedway - Big Money
ASA Educational Series Awards Over $250K In Scholarships... more
 
1999 NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie of the Year
1999 Winston Cup - A Look Back At Daytona... more
 
GM Crate Engine in Saturday Night Build up Car - Top 10s With A Crate Motor? - Saturday Night Build Up
They said we were crazy when we put a stock GM Performance crate engine in the Saturday Night Buildup car. Now they're starting to wonder who's really crazy!... more
 
Auto Racing Helmet - Brain Buckets - Safety
Helmet Safety Can Be Your First Line Of Defense In A Serious Accident... more