Clutch issues.. need help please
 

Hey everyone,
I began posting this in the Facebook group but it needs more attention.

My clutch is giving me tons of chatter at take off, seems like I'm losing some DOT4 as well since I had to add a few ounces today. I also get a strong pulsating feeling from the clutch pedal when down (disengaged). While the pedal is down I also hear an external whirring noise, like a bearing going out. I am very mechanically inclined but have never done clutch/transmission work before and dont know what to look for or where to begin troubleshooting. Going up hill in 3rd/4th does give me a lot of intense chatter as well

Is it suggested to replace all clutch components at once? Is there a simpler issue I could be missing? I live in southern NH if anyone or any shop is able to steer me in the right direction. Thanks in advance. 2001 e53 3.0 247k miles

Been doing a bunch of research on driveline noises and is it possible you have a worn guibo or center support bearing? They will give you similar shakes.

Thanks I'll definitely double check those. Nothing stood out when I was under there 2 weeks ago while I changed out my exhaust rez, but good suggestion go re-check

Guibo often has no external flaws when they internally fail. They will vibrate under load or click/tick at slow speeds.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Speaking from personal experience, this can be a number of things but all of them require a replacement. The throw out bearing being worn, glazing of the clutch plate, bent pressure plate teeth/springs, broken or cracked clutch plate...

If the throw out bearing is worn, you will not even be able to shift gears when you press the clutch peddle - if it is severe enough. Once the throw out bearing goes, it goes rather quickly. Chatter is likely glazing of the clutch plate or a combination with a wearing pressure plate AND glazing of the flywheel.

All of those less the throw out bearing may also require a resurfacing of the flywheel or worste case a new flywheel. Price wise, you may find a better deal on an entire new assembly including the flywheel. If there is glazing on the flywheel, you’re going to have to pay a mechanic to check for any warping and resurfacing anyhow so buying a new one is usually the way to go.

If your losing brake fluid you might want to check the clutch slave cylinder. Clutch actuation uses the brake system fluid. The clutch master cylinder is in your foot pedal and the slave cylinder is mounted to the transmission bell housing. If the slave cylinder seal is leaking fluid you may not get full actuation on the clutch. That *might* cause some of the noises and chatter you are experiencing.

This info is for an E36 but the principals should be the same.

Fixed... ;)

(The brake and clutch fluid systems are very separate - not connected)

I was under the impression there was a hose that connected the brake master cylinder reservoir to supply fluid to the clutch master cylinder behind the pedal? Think it's that way on most factory BMW setups.

That is correct. I have a manual E36. I've had to replace the clutch slave cylinder and there is definitely a connection to the brake fluid reservoir.

OK - I stand corrected - I've never seen that before (and manual BMWs are like unicorns over here - I hear about them but I've neve seen one).

Pretty much every clutch system I've ever dealt with (and it's quite a few..) has TWO fluid reservoirs - one for the brakes and one for the clutch. This includes motorcycles.

But as they both use the same fluid (type) and the master cylinders for brake and clutch are located close to one another (unlike on a bike!) then I guess it makes sense to use one reservoir for both functions but it seems few manufacturers think it's a good idea.

Oddly enough, it appears that a popular mod on the some cars (GM, BMW etc.) is to add a separate clutch reservoir (like on this 'vette)...

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...1.jpg~original