BULLFROG CLUTCH

Tracie · 2007-07-23T19:31:28+00:00

I have what seems to be an ongoing problem with my clutch. Here isthe short version:I have a 2006 Wrangler X with the 6 speed tranny and A/C. Everymorning when I get in, start up, and take off, all is great. Mycommute to work is approximately 35 miles one way, and is ALLhighway. I have noticed that when I get to the town that I work inand have to get off the highway (and now have to use the clutch), thatmy clutch will squawk (like a bullfrog -- that low pitched croakingsound they make) when I push the clutch in. I only notice this soundin the lower gears (shifting from 2nd to 1st). When I am at acomplete stop with the engine running, I push the clutch in slowly andit makes this noise. When I shut the engine off and push the clutchin, it makes this noise in ADDITION to a "rubbing" sound/feel when theclutch is just about to the floor. I have taken it to two differentdealerships who have both told me this is normal. I know it is NOTnormal because this is my second clutch in this vehicle and it onlyhas 13,000 miles on it. The first clutch was faulty at 7500 miles, sothe dealership replaced it under warranty. HOWEVER, the first clutchdid NOT make any of these noises. It was just sticking on the wayback up while letting it out. I am not hard on my clutch at all,don't ride it, and don't use it much as 99% of my driving is allhighway. Anyone have any suggestions? I am at a complete loss.THANKS

Jul 23, 2007 25 Replies

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Mike Romain 18 years ago

The throw out bearing is not greaseable, it is a sealed bearing these days I believe.

If the MC and the rod were the problem all along, then I would suspect overheating and/or wear damage to the throw out bearing and the clutch pressure plate just like last time.

I do not see the need for a new slave.

Mike

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Tracie 18 years ago

Oh, the T.O. bearing is pre-packed. I knew that, but forgot. Not to sound silly, but the release bearing and the throwout bearing are the same part, right?

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Jon 18 years ago

Tracie,

Right -- the bearing is pre-packed, the greased surfaces are (1) the sleeve that the bearing slides on, (2) the fork pivot point, and (3) the two points that the fork engages on the release bearing housing (see pic):

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Those points aren't exactly visible, it's on the backside of the housing as pictured beneath the wire retainers. The fork doesn't exactly push square on the bearing througout its travel, and must slide - - hence the croak. This is what your service manager has indicated as the problem.

For the sake of example, this is an AX-15 setup [fork straddles the input shaft, pivot at L, slave cylinder pushes from the backside at R]. You can imagine how the fork needs to slide at the bearing as it travels fore and aft.

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Your master/slave cylinders are sold from Chrysler as a set. External slave cylinders that check out just fine aren't usually replaced during a clutch service. The issue very quickly boils down to a noise in the body or in the clutch assembly. This creaking can and does translate through the hydraulics to the feel at the pedal.

We'll chalk the rest up to a difference in opinion between us (Mike is well versed in what he does) as well as another chapter in "Armchair Diagnoses".

Jon

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Mike Romain 18 years ago

You are right.

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's - Gone to the rust pile... Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view! Jan/06

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(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

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Tracie 18 years ago

Jon --

Thanks for the pics. It did help me to understand a little better on how these parts work. Any idea how long this situation can continue the way it is now before needing to get it fixed? What will happen if I wait too long? I certainly don't intend on waiting more than a couple of weeks to get it fixed (I don't have a day off from work until mid-August), but I just wanted to know for curiosity's sake.

THANKS

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Mike Romain 18 years ago

Any idea how long this situation can continue

My crystal ball is a bit foggy today.... ;-)

Mike

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