I've never had an aftermarket clutch. Thanks in advance for the info.

 

i would like to know too

 

it's when the disc skips off the flywheel as u let out the clutch... the whole car shakes as it "chatters"... my reasoning is that there is too much friction in the disc (or it's something like a 3-puck) and it won't slip...

 

Well, not necessarily the whole car. My g/f's Mustang had it, and it didn't shake the whole car. The easiet way I found to find out if you have clutch chatter is to just listen for it. When you're at a complete stop, turn off your radio, and ease onto the throttle and LISTEN! You'll hear a clacking kind of sound that will last for a couple of seconds. It's very subtle, and if you're not paying close attention, it's easy to dismiss as just a "car noise." It's easiest to listen for it in 1st gear since the clutch isn't engaged, as it would be going from gear to gear. As the clutch gets worse, the sound will get louder.

From what I understand, some clutches chatter when they're new, but when it goes from not chattering to chattering, it's time to worry a bit.


[Modified by naturallyaspirated, 4:50 PM 12/9/2001]

 

Taken directly off my Exedy Troubleshooting Guide.

Problem: Clutch shudder/ chattering
Symptom: 1. Vehicle vibrates/ shakes when clutch is being released, at take off.
2. Dished and warped flywheel.
Cause: 1. Flywheel not even.
2. Deep scoring indentations from previous worn clutch.
Solution: Always resurface flywheel before installing new clutch.

Other causes that can lead to chattering clutch:
Faulty main drive oil seal.
Faulty rear main bearing oil seal.
Installation error/misalignment
Inferior clutch facings
Diaphragm spring load not to specification
Improper grade of grease
Excessive grease on transmission drive
Melted grease on friction material


[Modified by ILOVERACING, 12:07 PM 12/9/2001]

 

Cool thanks guys.

 

Chatter depends on the situation - in mine it is only in 1st when the car is cold - not every gear as the Exedy site says. I suppose it has to do with the coefficient of friction of the clutch material and the type of flywheel you are using (stock vs lightened). Basically speaking, if you're using an aftermarket clutch with a higher clamping force and an ultralight flywheel (with reduced rotating mass/inertia) the clutch is going to skip a bit as it engages - but I sure it is not indicative in all cases of a warped or dished flywheel.

I've been in a car with a triple plate OS Giken clutch and that thing is either "on" or "off". If you try to engage it slowly it will chatter. The Mugen and Spoon clutches are the same in nature just more mild in severity. That's why full face clutches are the best for the street.