Clutch Issues

Approximately 10/13/03 08:29, Eric uttered for posterity:

Would guess either the manual transmission has a loose bearing or the throwout bearing on the clutch. You might be able to quiet it down a bit with the appropriate Redline tranny lube...

It could also simply be something loose in the clutch linkage or transmission mounts if you've been kissing rocks lately.

Sounds like the throw-out bearing. Trail riding dusty roads or mud holes causes more noise. That dust (or mud) will creep up into the bell housing and get in the throw-out bearing. While in neutral try pushing the clutch pedal just a little... puts a bit of pressure on the throw-out bearing. If the noise stops, that's it.

-- JimG

80' CJ-7, 258 CID 35" BFG MT's on 15x10 Centerlines 4.56 D30-D44 SOA D300 w/4:1 & Currie twin sticks Warn 8000i w/dual batteries LockRight F&R

That's what happens. If I press in the clutch pedal it goes away. Ok, my next question, can I let this go until one day my clutch doesn't work or do I need to get it fixed to prevent more costly repairs?

You can let it go to a point... the sound you here is a dry throw-out bearing that will eventually wear out. Mine has been doing the same for the last 1000 miles or so, but this is not my daily driver. You might be able to extend it's life by getting some lubrication to it. I am not familiar with the TJ but on the CJ there is a boot at the clutch linkage that one could spray some WD40 or the like into and hit the bearing. And when you do have to change it, plan on a complete clutch job... clutch, pressure plate, throw-out, and pilot bearing.

JimG

This IS my daily driver. It actually started in Mississippi and I've since driven it back to Nebraska. I don't drive it that often around here as I try to use my motorcycle while I can. What could go wrong if I don't get it fixed right away? Are we talking about tranny/engine damage??

Thanks.

Eric

intermittent.

money-eating

It's remotely possible that it could damage the input shaft on the transmission. But it would have to fail drastically and then be driven for many miles before that happens. I think you would have other symptoms before such a failure though (smell/smoke, no clutch, ect..). If the noise is considerable and you feel uncomfortable, get it fixed (or better yet do it yourself). How many miles are on the TJ?

JimG

I just rolled over 38k. The problem is fairly intermittent. I've been thinking about it all day, and it occurs to me that the problem seems to only pop up when the clutch has been getting a lot of use. I.e. on a trail or running errands in town. The first time it popped up was after I had my A/C installed (ahhh...), thought it was the compressor. I kept my eye on it pretty close. It came and went. It COULD be that the noise happens when there is a lot of idling in nuetral. You know, sitting at lights (I take it out of gear..), or sitting on the trail chatting or connecting/disconnecting swaybars... Hmmm..

Eric

38K is no time for clutch to go out unless abused. As far as being in neutral with the clutch out... that's the same as being in gear and going down the road as far as the throw-out bearing is concerned. You just can't hear it while in motion. The bearing comes into play when the clutch is depressed, otherwise it just idles around the input shaft (and rattles).

JimG

connecting/disconnecting

dissapeared