Whirring Clutch

[kmatsen1]

Okay, i've done extensive searching and I just want to nail down the exact problem as close as possible (but with these cars it seems pretty tough to do). As I can't pull the clutch myself and diagnose.

'94 MTX
Repaired (welded) shift linkage.
Tough to get into gear when at a stop after 10 minute warmup.
No problem getting into gear when turned off.
No grinding.
Slight whirring noise when clutch depressed (TOB?)

So far I am looking at the clutch cable replacement, mtx fluid replacement and/or clutch replacement. The whirring sound from previous posts makes me believe now that it is the TOB (when at a standstill the other day I heard the whirring, opened my window and took a whiff, smelled clutch burning). The previous owner said the clutch was recently replaced but maybe not all was done.

Since I came into some money after the superbowll , I am thinking of just going stage I clutch and TOB replacement.

 

[jedhead]

Your throw out bearing is bad. Also the quill the throw out bearing rides on is most likely caked with crud. You should get a Clutch Masters Stage 1 and SHONut's ceramic throw out bearing for good results.

Bob

 

[dpsutphin]

What you describe sounds like a classic throw out bearing to me. Mine did the same thing many moons ago. I had the transmission rebuilt, and clutch replaced at the same time. That was 50,000 miles ago, and I have had no problems since.

If your winnings were enough, do it that way, since you gotta take it all apart anyway, and if the clutch is going, the tranny usually isn't far behind. Just be sure whoever does it uses a good synthetic fluid. Mobil One ATF is usually the preferred choice.

The key is, as with most things with the SHO...if you don't know how, or don't have the equipment to do it yourself, be sure you get someone who has done it before. There should be several qualified people in your area.

Good luck.

Don Sutphin
1990 Black on Black
Mostly stock and a **** of a lot of fun to drive

 

[jedhead]

One more recommendation while you have the tranny out. Install a drain plug it makes the draining an filling of the transmission much easier. Directions are on the SHOTIMES FAQ site.

http://www.shotimes.com/php-bin/

Bob

 

[Howdy_Doody]

Depending on your finances, but if your clutch isn't slipping I'd keep driving it. Sounds like it is driveable. Mine's been less than perfect since I bought it 2 years ago (and 15,000 miles ago). Putting it into 2nd before 1st gear seems to make things easier at the stoplights.

 

[kmatsen1]

Unfortunetly it's not just first gear that is tough. If I am stopped and first is giving my problems (which it doesn't ALL the time) then I typically can't get it into any forward gear.

I've definetely comtemplated driving it like this since I don't have any issues with grinding.

Is driving it like this really hurting it?

 

[jedhead]

Your just adding more wear to the syncros and blocking rings that you can't get any more. I don't see any up side to keep adding wear and tear to something that there are no replacment parts to avoid replacing a clutch. Good used MTX's are starting to get scarce too. It has also been my experience that the whirring sound will be replaced by other sounds when the throw out bearing explodes. Don't drive too far away from home, your towing charges might exceed the cost of buying a clutch.

Bob

 

[kmatsen1]

I succumb to peer pressure very easily. Purchased the clutch last night. Now I need to find an iexpensive shop near the north side of chicago. Expert Auto in Palatine might be a little too far for my tastes this time.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

good luck.

"inexpensive" and "clutch job" on these SHOs typically dont go together.

 

[windsormw]

the SHONUT vids are more than helpful

get the clutch vid , watch it and do it in ur drive ways .........u can't miss

plus think of the dough u will save

the vid walks u right through the entire process .................highly recommended

 

[Howdy_Doody]

Before you dive in...are you sure clutch is adjusted with no freeplay? You also mentioned the clutch cable, why is that a suspect?