Clutch chatter

[08shelbyguy]

Hey guys,quick question. I have an o8 gt 500 that unfortunately developed a clutch chatter out of first gear from a dead stop. No other difficulties at all. Only 6000 on the ticker and out of warranty. Any suggestions on what to tell dealer to get the STB repair. Out of picket could easily be 3500 ton6k that I don't have planning a wedding. Any suggestions would be great. I know the draler will say its driver error or overheated flywheel. Ugh. What are my options? Thanks for the help.

 

[phinhead34]

My experience is don't say it's the clutch. They will tell you it's a wear item and if your luck is like mine you'll pay out of pocket. They wanted to charge me 4k. I told them to kick rocks. I ended up getting a Spec unit from Van. The early model clutches had a bit of clutch chatter.

 

[6-Speed]

Don't let the RPM drop too low while releasing the clutch else it will chatter.

 

[dirtyo2000]

Think you mean TSB and warranty shouldn't have anything to do with it. Last I checked if a TSB is issued there is no warranty that has to be dealt with. Take the car in and have them do the free checkout. Once they determine it's the clutch they should know about the TSB, if not give them the number of the TSB. Worse that could happen is they tell you no

 

[fullboogie]

Don't let the RPM drop too low while releasing the clutch else it will chatter.

I've got an '07 and definitely notice the same thing about release - it is prone to chatter/shudder if you don't work the throttle and clutch pedal just right. It's no problem for me once I learned what the car wants. But I can see how the flywheel can get warped on a car if it's not driven a certain way.

 

[Kewlv8]

My experience is don't say it's the clutch. They will tell you it's a wear item and if your luck is like mine you'll pay out of pocket. They wanted to charge me 4k. I told them to kick rocks. I ended up getting a Spec unit from Van. The early model clutches had a bit of clutch chatter.

Is that a gold-plated clutch? Should not be over 2.5k installed, whether at Ford or not doing the work? Thx

 

[Carbd86GT]

Think you mean TSB and warranty shouldn't have anything to do with it. Last I checked if a TSB is issued there is no warranty that has to be dealt with. Take the car in and have them do the free checkout. Once they determine it's the clutch they should know about the TSB, if not give them the number of the TSB. Worse that could happen is they tell you no

This info is correct. The car doesn't need to be under warranty for them to perform the TSB. You can call the service department and just give them your VIN number over the phone and they can check if the TSB is available for your production date as well as if it's been performed yet (assuming your not the original owner).

I've got an '07 and definitely notice the same thing about release - it is prone to chatter/shudder if you don't work the throttle and clutch pedal just right. It's no problem for me once I learned what the car wants. But I can see how the flywheel can get warped on a car if it's not driven a certain way.

This is correct as well. The little bit of chatter can be driven around by using the clutch and throttle differently. The chatter is more of just a nuisance as it's not really going to damage anything other than maybe some fillings in your teeth ;-)

 

[Steve@RevanRacing]

My stock clutch would always chatter if I didn't ride it out a little and my RXT chatters also if I don't ride it out a little. Don't worry about it so much.

 

[moncho]

OP - you've been given good information so far. Best way to approach the TSB 10-3-8 is to mention that the flywheel appears to be warped. This condition has to be met before they can honor the TSB. I've got an '07 and it chatters as well, you just have to learn to quickly release the clutch so that it becomes unnoticeable. Go to Team Shelby GT500 forum and go to clutch section for more information.

Best of luck!
Ray

 

[CTL500]

If you end up replacing the clutch, I recommend the Centerforce DYAD twin disc clutch. ZERO chatter or noise, direct bolt in and no messing with install heights, etc. Super light pedal effort and killer feel. Most will say try the Mcleod but this is because they haven't tried the DYAD. Awesome clutch for the money! Just my two cents...

 

[mustang loco]

Not sure, but I'm still on my stock clutch here on my 07' with 21K,when I was running the stock gears..riding clutch/throttle with quick realease was the best I could do for not getting the chatter,but since the 3:73's,the car is way easier to launch and no chatter at all ..thought I'd give you my opinion on the gear/ launching the car..Not the reason guys will change gears on there rides but I found that it help pretty good for this matter as well.

 

[Superfly99]

Chatter is normal for the stock clutch on '07-'09. If the clutch isn't slipping you more than likely won't qualify for the TSB replacement just yet. My '09 started slipping at 14k miles and was replaced with the TSB. I noticed the slip in the upper gears when trying to pass traffic. Good luck.

 

[GT50008]

I agree with the majority of the commnets, the clutch chatters if it is not driven the way it needs to be driven ---- a little gas and timing the clutch release. Practice your driving technique before getting all wound up about replacing the clutch. Good luck.