Clutch Shudder

tuko · 09-14-2009, 07:28 PM

Hi everyone, I hate to bring this up again but I searched the threads on this subject and couldn't find exactly my problem, so sorry but here I go. First I have a 02 TJ totally stock with a 30" wheel group. At around 50k miles I noticed a shudder when I let out the clutch in 1st. This only happened when it rained. When it was dry the problem didn't happen. So now at 100k I have a new noise related to the clutch. When you step on the clutch it sounded like a loose clutch plate. Like a metal plate vibrating. Anyway I had some extra dough so I had my mechanic replace he clutch. Now when I start out in 1st or reverse I have a really bad shudder all the time. It disappeares as I increase the RPM's but still it is real bad. It feels and sounds like something spinning that is out of balance or wharped. The flywheel was resurfaced when he did the clutch but I still think it may be that or a bad clutch disc. Also the throw out bearring was noisy to begin with but now it is real loud. Any thoughts. Thanks.

**alextremetj** · 09-14-2009, 07:31 PM

I would check your motor and transmission mounts. They are rubber and over time they soften up, allowing the drive train rock when under high torque.
Also, you should never resurface a Jeep flywheel. It has a slight convex to it to help with clutch wear. At most, you should hit it with some light sandpaper to remove the glazing from the old clutch.

tuko · 09-14-2009, 07:42 PM

Thanks Alex I wasn't aware of that. The mechanic told me that it's just part of what he does when they replace a clutch. Let me ask you this, since it has been resurfaced what can you do now?

**alextremetj** · 09-14-2009, 07:57 PM

Check your motor mounts and transmission mount first. My money is on the transmission mount. As for the flywheel, if everything else checks out okay, would be to replace the flywheel.
I have heard of an old timer remedy for a chattering clutch. I'm not sure if it works but....
Pull the Jeep up to a tree and lightly put the bumper up to it. Engage the parking brake. Then put the trans in 5th gear. Now take the tach to 2k and slowly let the clutch out and let it slip. This is supposed to help seat in the new clutch and burn off any residue on the flywheel.

johnniebravo · 09-14-2009, 08:12 PM

you say your TO bearing is real loud now? he didn't replace it when he installed the new disc?

Agree with the resurfacing, only needs light sand paper.

did he replace the pilot bearing?

not to jump the gun, but it sounds like you got a so-so clutch job.

does the shifter move excessively when the clutch is let out?

Ole Yeller · 09-14-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alextremetj

I have heard of an old timer remedy for a chattering clutch. I'm not sure if it works but....
Pull the Jeep up to a tree and lightly put the bumper up to it. Engage the parking brake. Then put the trans in 5th gear. Now take the tach to 2k and slowly let the clutch out and let it slip. This is supposed to help seat in the new clutch and burn off any residue on the flywheel.

I've heard the same thing and it did work on a 60 something Big A Ford truck.

I would go back to the installer. He created a problem he should fix it. The throw out bearing is automatic when you change a clutch as is the pressure plate. I have never replaced a Jeep clutch, but on others, I don't think I've ever replaced very many pilot bushings.

You say he is your mechanic, if he is a dollar charging local garage, go back for a rework. If he's friend that works under a carport, get some professional help.

tuko · 09-14-2009, 08:25 PM

Alex yes I will check the mounts and your old timer remedy sounds interesting. As I have no trees I'll have to use my neighbors.. I hope he understands. You know it feels like a high spot which I would assume the resurfacing would make worst. But than again if it does have residue I can understand how that would effect it. Either way I will call him tomorrow. and see what he has to say.

Ole Yeller · 09-14-2009, 08:31 PM

The flywheel doesn't make a noise. Unless, God forbid, he didn't tighten the bolts!!

tuko · 09-14-2009, 08:46 PM

Yes Johnnie the TO bearring is loud and louder since friday when I got it back. I made the mistake of not making sure it would be changed... my bad. Also I don't know about the pilot bearing. I'll find out. The shifter feels find so I don't believe it's a problem. At this point yes I think it's a so-so clutch job or maybe a so-so clutch. I think it was a Valo or something of the sort. I just happen the see it when it came and thought it was strange since it came in a pink box in another language. And yes Ole yeller he is a local garage. He done alot of work on my jeep over the years and is pretty good but may not with this. So depending on what he says, I'll have to deal with that when I cross that bridge which will be tomorrow. If I pay for it I expect good work.. period. Gentelman thank you for your advise and I hope I'll have an answer tomorrow, I'll let you know.

Ole Yeller · 09-14-2009, 08:53 PM

Good luck. And BTW, installing a clutch is not rocket science. There is no computer to work with or anything like that. It's all hardware. As far as the throwout bearing, I've never heard of anyone replacing the clutch and not the bearing.

Again, Good Luck!!

tuko · 09-14-2009, 08:56 PM

Ole yeller you maybe right who knows maybe he didn't. I'm sure he had one of his guys do it who may not be up to the job. But since I had this problem for awhile now it's just much much worst. I think he may have made it worst or I have another problem that the clutch change made worst. I know there are things that are " Jeep Things" but this just doesn't sound like one of them. I do alot of driving on the interstate and in the mountains and the last thing I need is a break down so I want it right. I don't mind having things fixed but it needs to be right. Thanks for the advice.

Ole Yeller · 09-14-2009, 08:58 PM

I agree with you 100%. This is NOT a Jeep thing.