Clutch or flywheel

[JINKATIN]

Hello! guys, before I ask my question I just want to say how helpful this forum is and thanks to all who have helped me with my problems with my carrera. I really do appreciate it.


Well, here is my question. When I shift to first gear and start to release the clutch, the whole car begins to shake violently so I have to press the clutch in for it to stop. It does not happen when I shift to second gear. I was wondering if it is the clutch or the flywheel and if so should I just replace them both?


Thanks,

jinkatin
86 Carrera

[Superman]

Shuddering clutches are not unusual or mysterious. It doesn't happen going from one gear to another because you're not 'slipping' the clutch. But when you begin from a stop, in first gear, you do spend a moment "slipping" the clutch until the car is moving fast enough to finish releasing the clutch. If this is when your clutch does the shuddering, it is almost always due to a contaminated clutch disk. Oil has gotten onto the disk. Some folks say this is likely caused by a leaking engine rear main seal, but I and at least one experienced Porsche mechanic believe it is much more likely coming from the transmission input shaft seal. At any rate, these seals should be inspected and perhaps replaced when the clutch disk is replaced. Also, when the clutch disk is replaced, all other clutch parts should be inspected and/or replaced. It is common to replace the pressure plate at the same time as the disk. Also the throwout bearing. In addition, it is a good idea to inspect and likely replace the fork. And the cable. It takes a fair bit of time to remove the engine for this operation anyway, so you might as well replace any and all questionable parts. You don't want to button it up and then find the clutch still does not work well.

[Peter Bull]

Before you start tearing your car apart, adjust the clutch properly according to Wayne Dempsey's description in "101 Projects...". That removed the shudder from the clutch on my car, and that was really bad.

/Peter

[JINKATIN]

Thanks guys I will start with adjusting the clutch. If that does not work I will replace the clutch, flywheel, and fork since I am in there.

Thank you,

jinkatin
86 Carrera

[robert walsh]

Please have it professionaly adjusted first, if not good enough, replace the clutch cable and helper spring, next replace your pedal bushings. I speak from exhaustive experience, these are all relatively inexpensive procedures, that if it comes down to clutch replacement should be done anyway. I was in your shoes a few months ago, and I listened and the problem is corrected w/o clutch replacement, and I forgot, replace all 4 mounts with sport monts, $120 and an hour of time. Trust me you'll be glad you did.