MTX backlash when push in clutch?

[Bill Mc]

hi - I have a new clutch (about 500 miles on it) and when I push in the clutch in first gear, there is a noticeable amount of backlash in driveline. When I push in the clutch in the higher rpm range you can feel a thump through the steering wheel as it releases. This is before I even pull on the shifter. I have new bushings on the strut rods, and everything is solid in the suspension department. Engine mounts are tight (reinforced with bolts). I have new Gen III subframe bushings and they are all tight. To give a little more insight, if I'm pulling up my driveway in 1st, which is a hill, and push in the clutch, you can hear the gear backlash. Oh, i have new axles installed too, in case that was it. I'm wondering if the trans is worn - maybe first gear in particular? It shifts fine without grinding, otherwise. I'm not really sure how it drove previously because I only drove it home with a clutch that had fingers missing from the pressure plate, so I was shutting it off at each traffic light and putting it in gear. Replace with a "newer" trans? I just don't feel like diving right back in there again! Thanks.

 

[sperold]

Can you further explain what you mean as "backlash".

Usually if the shifts are fine with no theatrics, the clutch is working as it should.

Try jacking up each side of the front separately and man-handle the tire to see if you can detect any slop in the drive-line.

Do some research on this forum on the differential pin to rule out that as a possible culprit, but that is a long shot, but worth considering if nothing else makes sense.

 

[Bryan]

Can you further explain what you mean as "backlash".

Usually if the shifts are fine with no theatrics, the clutch is working as it should.

Try jacking up each side of the front separately and man-handle the tire to see if you can detect any slop in the drive-line.

Do some research on this forum on the differential pin to rule out that as a possible culprit, but that is a long shot, but worth considering if nothing else makes sense.

I think he means the backlash of the ring gear against the pinion? Maybe that’s where he feels the slight thump before the car moves. I dunno I am just tossing things out here.

 

[Bill Mc]

yeah, it's hard to explain, but it's when the car is already moving. Drive along in 1st gear, push in clutch like you normally would and there is a thunk as trans is released...although i don't think it has to do with the clutch. it feels like too much play in the gears. its like the clutch released hard though. If I go easy and push in the clutch kind of slow i can reduce it.

 

[Jesse Menck]

Loctite the pressure plate bolts?

 

[Jesse Menck]

Have you tried the e brake trick ? I snapped one of the nuts on my motor mount and lost the bolt before

 

[Jesse Menck]

Like through the ac bracket part

 

[Bill Mc]

thanks guys - I believe I'll drop out the trans again and check things out. i'll let you know

 

[AREA 91]

Tranny mount?

 

[zak]

front engine mount, that is what the e-brake test is for as mentioned above

 

[Bill Mc]

Just pulled the trans. I found that the TOB had this blue grease coming out of it and it doesn't turn super freely. Any ideas...did the grease seal just go on this TOB, or is this normal?