[getmygoat]

Hi all,

I've got a pretty bad chatter in my clutch.... the clutch has been apart, been resurfaced (twice), new pilot bearing, and new (different) clutch. Chatter remains. Any thoughts on likely causes at this point?

I've been thinking perhaps the nose of the input shaft is worn.. or something with the input bearing on the trans (trans was rebuilt 75 miles ago also).

Thanks!

[helmerrock]

FWIW
I had a similar issue years ago and found loose bolts holding bellhousing to block. Probably a long shot but you never know..

[6t7gto]

What is the 1st gear ratio in the trans?
Rear end ratio?
How tall are the tires?

[wrenchmen]

Are you using the correct style pressure plate bolts?

[getmygoat]

Car is a stock '69 Judge - 3:55's with Muncie wide ratio - not sure of exact ratio of first gear, but its all stock.

Yes - using correct (original) pressure plate bolts.

Thanks for any thoughts

[tom s]

what material is the disc.I had a kevlar disc in one car and never got the chatter out untill I put a stock NOS asbestos disc in.I actually watch ebay for the old NOS ones just to keep around.Bought one just yesterday.Tom

[6T5 Cat]

Check the free-play and linkage adjustments per the factory manual.

[getmygoat]

I ran the centerforce dual friction then switched to the Mcleod StreetPro - which uses an organic disc compound.. Both chatter. Ran the centerforce (different actual clutch however) on another GTO that was smooth as glass on clutch engagement/disengagement.

Not sure how linkage adjustment could cause clutch chatter but the clutch seems to have the right amount of freeplay, etc.

[Txbobcat]

My 72 does this at high rpm but it didnt used to. I first thought it was the alternator now I believe it is the clutch which is 6 years old. I will replace it soon

[FrankieT/A]

Three things come to mind; 1) when the flywheel was resurfaced, were there any "hot spots" that didn't come out? 2) check the bushings in the rear control arms, sometimes if there is play it will seem like the clutch but actually is from the rear. 3) check for excessive end play in the rear itself. Manual tranny's are vey hard on rears, and timing chains, but that's for another chapter.

[Nicks67GTO]

Do you have an aftermarket scatter shield? You might need to align the bell housing

[blueghoast]

A worn pilot bushing can cause chatter too.

GT.

[FirebirdHank]

I had the same issue on my Firebird when I switched from auto to manual. The first clutch I installed chattered badly. The flywheel was freshly re-surfaced. I put in a second clutch / pressure plate and the problem was better but still there. I mentioned my problem to a friend and when I told hem that I had bought a re-contitioned pressure plate he said "there is your problem". I bought an new kit and now it is as smooth as can be.

[GRX]

You say - "been resurfaced (twice)" - can we assume you mean the flywheel? How was it resurfaced? On a lathe or flywheel grinder? A lathe is not good at hard spots, so high spots may remain which would give you chatter. If it was ground be sure the machinist had the stone set properly. Too much angle on the stone will cause a cup effect which means poor clutch disk contact across the entire surface.

[lust4speed]

Over heating causes hard spots on the flywheel and pressure plate. I've had really poor luck in resurfacing flywheels that have gotten too hot, and the chatter returns in short order even with Blanchard grinding. The structure of the metal changes, and while you can get it to look pretty, it is probably going to chatter.

[70 bird]

Check motor and trans mount condition.

[lrosen]

Originally Posted by lust4speed

Over heating causes hard spots on the flywheel and pressure plate. I've had really poor luck in resurfacing flywheels that have gotten too hot, and the chatter returns in short order even with Blanchard grinding. The structure of the metal changes, and while you can get it to look pretty, it is probably going to chatter.

This... I hope. I have my clutch out now and have been trying to decide what to do. Should I just get the clutch/TB, & PB, or go ahead and get a new flywheel too?

My original FW has been ground twice and the chatter always came back.

Any recommendations for an entire clutch setup (show/street)?

[Bluesugar]

if tranny front seal is not leaking try this,..hold foot brake while feathering gas pedal so it won't stall(have parking brake on too)and let out clutch and ride it a bit,stop,do it again,maybe a third time,..problem solved