Clutch Problem - Rough/Shaky start in 1st gear.

e_sand · Aug 29, 2009

Hello All-

I have a 1988 Ford Mustang GT.

For some reason when I start from stop my car shakes until it gets moving. No problem in other gears just 1st. It's more noticeable up hills and with AC on. I installed a new clutch disk, PP, FlyW, TOB about 4 years ago and have put about 1000 miles on my car since that time( It's been parked in my garage and driven every now and again). I have read some of the articles here about same problem but there didn't seem to be an answer. One member suggesting to check the nuts at the fork and make sure both were on one side. My setup was wrong. I corrected that problem and noticed significant improvement in clutch (seems more springy and lighter) but I still have a rough/car shaky 1st gear start, maybe it's a little better but not correct..??? Any ideas. I'm very happy with just the little improvement in my clutch if I can figure this out I will on cloud nine cuz it will be so much fun to drive.

93 LX · Aug 30, 2009

could be a bad clutch plate or pressure plate. Even though you dont use the car the springs still apply pressure.. I would try burning the clutch plate.. that may work off some of the material that could be causing the clutch chatter....

oh9mustang · Aug 30, 2009

You said.
"I installed a new clutch disk, PP, FlyW, TOB about 4 years ago and have put about 1000 miles on my car since that time"

Did your car shake after or before you installed the stuff? or did it occure after sitting for awhile?

Take the dust cover off and see if there is any oil in there from the rear main seal.

Also , new Flywheels aren't nessesarily flat, did you have it turned or at least checked for surface level? Flywheels can also, warp, crack, and glaze over same as with the Pressure plate.

Did you replace the pilot bearring?

e_sand · Aug 30, 2009

oh9mustang said:
You said.
"I installed a new clutch disk, PP, FlyW, TOB about 4 years ago and have put about 1000 miles on my car since that time"

Did your car shake after or before you installed the stuff? or did it occure after sitting for awhile?Take the dust cover off and see if there is any oil in there from the rear main seal. Also , new Flywheels aren't nessesarily flat, did you have it turned or at least checked for surface level? Flywheels can also, warp, crack, and glaze over same as with the Pressure plate. Did you replace the pilot bearring?

You know I want to say it did shake after... Come to think of it, it's always been rough and stiff. I think the improper position of the bolts added to those problems but it's much more pleasant I just have to figure this little shake thing out.

I took off the dust cover no leaking at all from rear main.
I had the FlyWheel turned before I installed.
Pilot Bearing, is that the same as the throw out bearing? If so yes changed.

I thought it might be the cable so I took out yesterday and it's not frayed or and it moves well within the protective plastic shield. I reinstalled and the route from the firewall to the fork is also free and accommodating for movement of the cable. Shot some WD 40 inside jacket of clutch cable, not that it needed it.

Should I try greasing or oiling something in the bell housing...if I can see in there? Maybe Throw Out Bearing?

ALso some more info:

With Cable unhooked from quadrant pedal moves easy up and down.
With cable unhooked from fork, fork move freely.
I do not ride the clutch (foot on pedal) while at stops.

oh9mustang · Aug 30, 2009

The pilot bearing is a small bronze Bushing type thing that goes in the end of the Crank shaft, The thing keeps the end of the trans aligned with the Crank, If you didn't have one the clutch would wobble when you first took off. There is no way to tell unless you pull the trans.

e_sand · Aug 30, 2009

oh9mustang said:
The pilot bearing is a small bronze Bushing type thing that goes in the end of the Crank shaft, The thing keeps the end of the trans aligned with the Crank, If you didn't have one the clutch would wobble when you first took off. There is no way to tell unless you pull the trans.

Thanks... Yep I remember now. It's there. Don't think it's new though. Pulled it out of old crank I think. I got a stroker kit so I don't remember if a new pilot bearing came with the crank or not. I did have everything balanced but just don't remember. I have pics I'm gonna go look...

e_sand · Aug 30, 2009

Can't seem to post a jpg. Don't I just insert image..?

e_sand · Aug 30, 2009

Here goes again.

e_sand · Aug 30, 2009

Found it yes. I put the pilot bearing in the crank and it looks new.. Here is a pic.

oh9mustang · Aug 30, 2009

I give up man, If I could drive the car, I could probably give you a definitive answer, There are to many variables.

e_sand · Aug 30, 2009

oh9mustang said:
I give up man, If I could drive the car, I could probably give you a definitive answer, There are to many variables.

Thanks for trying. I think it's maybe the tranny. :-(

2000xp8 · Aug 30, 2009

What clutch and pressure plate did you install?
Some clutches don't like to be blended. They are engaged or not engaged, no in the middle.

e_sand · Aug 30, 2009

2000xp8 said:
What clutch and pressure plate did you install?
Some clutches don't like to be blended. They are engaged or not engaged, no in the middle.

King Cobra both clutch and PP.

e_sand · Aug 30, 2009

I started another thread but what do you guys think about the TOB retainer? I did replace mine about 11 years ago and I don't think it was the steel retainer.

Clutch Problem - Rough/Shaky start in 1st gear.

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