T5 clutch fork wobble

[68Jcode]

I've got an '88 T5 and bell in my '68 Mustang. I'm having a helluva time with a noise from the clutch area, I think it may be related to cable adjustment. Whole setup (pilot brg, flywheel, clutch, clutch fork, pivot ball, pressure plate and throwout bearing are brand new. Trans and bell are used.

When the clutch is engaged (pedal up) the clutch fork (part sticking out of the bell) vibrates up and down (apparently in time with engine rpm) and make a squeak sometimes, rattle other times.

I've tried loosening the cable to the point that it feels like there is plenty of slack and the T/O bearing should be able to come completely out of contact with the pressure plate fingers, but the clutch engages right off the floor, and it will still sometimes make noise and wobble sometimes.

I've tried tightening the cable to the point that the T/O bearing is definitely contacting the pressure plate fingers at all times, but it will still make the noise sometimes in this condition.

It kinda looks like the T/O bearing is contacting the pressure plate fingers, but somehow not centering on them. What is supposed to center the bearing and pressure plate?

Noise is most prevelant around 1700-3500 rpm, frequency increasing with engine speed. Noise always goes away with clutch disengaged (pedal on floor).


Any Fox body guys experience something like this? I know T/O bearing noise seems to be a common problem with this setup, but my search didn't reveal anything quite like this.

Sorry for the long post, just trying to describe completely.

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[v8only]

first of all, preload is essential. adjust it so that there is slight constant pressure on the clutch.

as well, a noise that goes away with slight pedal pressure is a bad adj. If it only goes away with a complete movement on the pedal, you could have a bad t/o bearing.

 

[68Jcode]

Adjustment

Well, the noise definitely went away with slight pedal pressure, so I cranked in some more preload, and that quieted things down nicely.

The fork still visibly wobbles and I'm still a little bothered by that.

Apparently the fingers on my pressure plate are not perfectly even with one another, essentially causing the fingers on one side of the T/O bearing to contact it sooner than the other. I'm sure there is some variance allowed on the free height of these fingers, but mine still seems to have an awful lot of wobble. The wobble pretty much goes away when you press the pedal to the floor because the amount of free height difference is pretty small compared to the total movement of the fingers when fully depressed.

Have you ever noticed any wobble on your clutch fork? Mine moved enough I can still notice it just looking down from the engine compartment. Very noticeable if you crawl under and grab the fork with your hand.

 

[v8only]

i've never paid attn. In your case, unless it's a billion doller clutch, I'd be tempted to ride it out and see how it goes. some wobble is probbly normal

 

[68Jcode]

Jeremy,

The clutch is just a stock replacement, so it's definitely not a billion dollar unit.

I didn't realize you were the author of that adjustable clutch quadrant guide. I found my way to that page once before, and it is very informative.

I guess I just wasn't sure how much preload was too much. I'll probably let it ride until winter, then maybe drop the trans and see if I can measure the free height of the fingers relative to the flywheel. It will still be under warranty and maybe I'll try to swap it out for another one at the store. Also check the pivot ball for wear.

 

[1987stangman]

Is the bearing retainer new or used?