Clutch Shudder

JTO · 11-26-2002, 09:47 AM

Hello All,

I am having an ongoing problem with clutch shudder. I have installed a second complete Sachs kit with kevlar disc becuase I thought the first one was bad (under warranty). The clutch shudders terribly upon engagement even after installation of the new kit. What could be causing this?

JTO · 11-26-2002, 09:56 AM

Hi,

The clutch cable, motor and trans mounts are new. Hmmm!

Early_S_Man · 11-26-2002, 10:03 AM

If the Bowden tube ... the black, plastic-covered spiral-spring sheath around the cable from transaxle fixing point back to the firewall ... doesn't have a proper amount of preload, then a shudder upon takeoff can result!

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Your flywheel could be scored, pitted or out of true.

john walker's workshop · 11-26-2002, 11:03 AM

the trade off for not using the stock setup is a potential to shudder. they don't all do it, but enough of them do that i won't install them unless folks understand that there's no warranty on aftermarket clutch jobs as far as shuddering is concerned. it's basically for racing, and shouldn't be expected to be as smooth as a stocker. puck discs are really grabby, but hold well.

scphelps1 · scphelps1's Garage

My clutch shudders if I try to 'slip' off the line too much. I have to almost just let it out; not dump it mind you, but briskly let it out. I understand that this is because of what Mr Walker has stated. It was replaced with a clutch that will supposedly hold 5-600 hp. This past weekend on our fun run it seemed to slip some in 3rd and 4th gears. I'm not sure why it wouldn't in 1st and 2nd. On my way home when the ambient temperature was up some (60 instead of 30), it didn't seem to do it as much. On my way up to Herndon, my thermostat didn't even open! That's quite a change from overheating over the summer! I think I will check the cable adjustment first.

BradH · 11-26-2002, 12:05 PM

I've adjusted my clutch cable twice in the last month, and I still have shudder as well. It has gotten better each time I check/adjust the cable preload, but there is still enough judder to vibrate the shift lever enough to where it clanks around.

Is this a clutch issue, or do I need to rebuild the shifter assembly to where it doesn't "clank" around? There is little to no feedback at the clutch pedal--the shuddering manifests itself only by vibrating the shift lever.

Thanks,

Dr. Brad
'83 SC Coupe

JTO · 11-26-2002, 01:10 PM

Thanks again everyone. I will double check all mounting hardware and the Bowden tube. Curious, How do you adjust the amount of "loop" in the Bowden tube?

Mr. Walker, your experience is that these kevlar discs cause a shudder? Unfortunately, this info. wasn't past on to me when I was discussing the pros and cons of an upgraded clutch with my friends at Motor Meister. Jeez.

JTO · 11-26-2002, 01:32 PM

SoCal911SC:

I know, I know. Luckily, I have seen the disk, and seen the "Sachs" stenciled on the clutch p-plate. Otherwise, I too would be pretty dubious. In general, I am pretty dubious about the power train rebuild. I have already sent it back for a whine in the transmission (all gears) and clutch trouble. It has been a total of six months down time associated with the original rebuild and re-rebuild of the tranny and clutch. Now that its back in the ca, the motor seems to run really well though (so far) and tranny noise is better (except in fifth).

Troy

john walker's workshop · 11-26-2002, 01:33 PM

some guy brought in a MM supplied disc the other day and it had some sort of light colored material on it, about the thickness of shirt cardboard, that looked like it wouldn't last a day, and a "reeeebuilt" PP that was painted gray. quality sheeeeet!