Clutch System

CLUTCH

Drive the vehicle at normal speeds. Shift the transmission through all gear ranges and observe clutch action. If the clutch chatters, grabs, slips or does not release properly, remove and inspect the clutch components. If the problem is noise or hard shifting, further diagnosis may be needed as the transmission or another driveline component may be at fault.

NOTE: Vehicles equipped with a Dual Mass Flywheel may produce a rattle when the engine is shut off. This noise is considered normal.

CLUTCH CONTAMINATION
Fluid contamination is a frequent cause of clutch malfunctions. Oil, water or clutch fluid on the clutch disc and pressure plate surfaces will cause chatter, slip and grab. Inspect components for oil, hydraulic fluid or water/road splash contamination.

Oil contamination indicates a leak at either the rear main seal or transmission input shaft. Clutch fluid leaks are usually from damaged slave cylinder push rod seals. Heat buildup caused by slippage between the pressure plate, disc and flywheel can bake the oil residue onto the components. The glaze-like residue ranges in color from amber to black.

Road splash contamination is dirt/water entering the clutch housing due to loose bolts, housing cracks. Driving through deep water puddles can force water/road splash into the housing through such openings.

IMPROPER RELEASE OR CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT
Clutch release or engagement problems are caused by wear or damage clutch components. A visual inspection of the release components will usually reveal the problem part.

Release problems can result in hard shifting and noise. Look for leaks at the clutch cylinders and interconnecting line and loose slave cylinder bolts. Also worn/loose release fork, pivot stud, clutch disc, pressure plate or release bearing.

Engagement problems can result in slip, chatter/shudder and noisy operation. The causes may be clutch disc contamination, wear, distortion or flywheel damage. Visually inspect to determine the actual cause of the problem.