- 2,020
- 29
- Nov 10, 2002
-
Raleigh,
North Carolina
For those who didn't know, the 2gnt uses the same clutch as the 96+ neon, PT Cruiser and cloud cars. My concern is with the clutch itself regardless of the application.
The problem was on a 00 Neon and I'm curious as to everyone else's experience with this clutch. The problem was found after the install, clutch was removed, inspected and two problems were found.
The first problem was the springs circled below. When the clutch was placed upside down, with the clutch resting on the spring fingers, the springs circled in red were actually contacting the table before the spring fingers were. So after tapping them down a good bit with a plastic hammer, they were now clear. We assumed that this was the only problem. There were score marks on those three springs that indicated that it was indeed contacting the clutch release for whenever the clutch pedal was released. We couldn't even release the clutch more than about 75% of the way.
After we modified the spring, we had to reinstall it. We were doing the job at a friend's place and the car had to be put back together one way or another. Fortunately, that first problem was resolved. Clutch pedal could be fully released and the fork would no longer contact those smaller springs.
However, there is still a light knocking noise when the clutch pedal is released. When we had the clutch out, I noticed a second problem. Again with the clutch upside down on the table, I rotated the clutch around. It was uneven. Much like there was a high spot and a low spot in the clutch fingers. My thoughts are that this clutch spring variance is causing the clutch release bearing to be contacted at this high spot.
My questions are:
1. Has anyone had any problems with ANY modular new modular clutches?
2. Has anyone ever inspected the clutch prior to install and noticed anything like this?
3. What is your input on this situation?
My gut, experience and training says that it's a defective clutch and replacing it is the only way to solve the problem
Doug
The problem was on a 00 Neon and I'm curious as to everyone else's experience with this clutch. The problem was found after the install, clutch was removed, inspected and two problems were found.
The first problem was the springs circled below. When the clutch was placed upside down, with the clutch resting on the spring fingers, the springs circled in red were actually contacting the table before the spring fingers were. So after tapping them down a good bit with a plastic hammer, they were now clear. We assumed that this was the only problem. There were score marks on those three springs that indicated that it was indeed contacting the clutch release for whenever the clutch pedal was released. We couldn't even release the clutch more than about 75% of the way.
After we modified the spring, we had to reinstall it. We were doing the job at a friend's place and the car had to be put back together one way or another. Fortunately, that first problem was resolved. Clutch pedal could be fully released and the fork would no longer contact those smaller springs.
However, there is still a light knocking noise when the clutch pedal is released. When we had the clutch out, I noticed a second problem. Again with the clutch upside down on the table, I rotated the clutch around. It was uneven. Much like there was a high spot and a low spot in the clutch fingers. My thoughts are that this clutch spring variance is causing the clutch release bearing to be contacted at this high spot.
My questions are:
1. Has anyone had any problems with ANY modular new modular clutches?
2. Has anyone ever inspected the clutch prior to install and noticed anything like this?
3. What is your input on this situation?
My gut, experience and training says that it's a defective clutch and replacing it is the only way to solve the problem
Doug
