Clutch chatter

[Jim Johnson]

I bought an unrestored original '57 a couple years ago. I love the car, but have
a minor problem with clutch chatter only in 1st and reverse. I have records that show the disk, bearing and pressure plate were all replaced by a qualified shop before I purchased the car. There's no oil leaking onto the disk, that was the first thing I checked. There's no slip, and the new unit doesn't have enough miles to be worn out. Any ideas anyone?

[John H.]

Re: Clutch chatter

Jim -

Most clutch chatter issues are caused by deteriorated or loose engine mounts or transmission mounts; I'd look there first, especially since the clutch is new. Also check out the clutch linkage (cross shaft and balls/sockets at each end for wear/looseness).

[Jim Johnson]

Re: Clutch chatter

John,

Thanks for the help. The linkage also seems to be OK. I'll check the mounts. They're probably dry and brittle.

[John D.]

Re: Clutch chatter

Jim:

Was both the pilot bearing and throwout bearing replaced? A member of our chapter had a similar problem was the pilot bearing.

Regards, John

[Verle R.]

Re: Clutch chatter

Clutch chatter can also be caused by a loose bearing on the input shaft in the transmission.

I had a chatter problem in my 65. I replaced the disk and rebuilt the pressure plate and still had chatter. It was not until I replaced the disk and pressure plate that the problem was solved. The problem was the pressure plate.

Verle

[Roger Legge]

Re: Clutch chatter

And a disc that doesn't slide smoothly on the input shaft splines. There's a whole bunch of things that can cause clutch chatter.

Roger

[John Walker]

Re: Clutch chatter

I have also seen clutch chatter when the clutch is replaced and the flywheel was not surfaced.

[Verle R.]

Re: Clutch chatter

When I rebuilt my pressure plate I had the flywheel resurfaced and installed a new disk. Still had chatter. I don't know what the actual problem was but it went away when I bought a new pressure plate.

Verle