AndyK

My clutch has been acting strange, only when I disengage it. It doesn't slip, and the take up is smooth. But, when slowing down for a light, when I step on the pedal, the clutch disengages kinda roughly, feeling like a spring letting go, with a chatter kind of noise - as if I wasn't pushing the pedal down enough.

Anyone know if this is a sure sign that I need a new clutch? Or, is is normal behavior in these cars?

Thanks.

ivangene

sounds like the disc is coming apart to me - or the shaft the throw out bearing rides on is gummed up?

just a thought.

Anyhow, try and give it a good "slip" where you rev it up and let it out too slow like a new driver. Sometimes if the disc is gummed up you can get a fresh spot by using it a little hard a time or two. Generate a little heat and burn any oil off too.

AndyK

It could be oil or gunk somewhere, good point. Maybe the throw out bearing isn't throwing the disc out enough to disengage it properly? The car only has 21k miles, I would figure the clutch would be fine. I'll give it a little rough treatment and see if that works.

1999Porsche911

If your car's build date was before April 19, 2000, it could very well be the clutch release lever. The lever was modified after that date due to noise and function problems.

AndyK

Late '99 manufacture date. Release lever sounds like it could be the culprit. Is there a diagram for dummys to show how these parts work?

Does this mean I have to wait till the release lever/clutch goes, then get a new clutch w/ modified release lever?

1999Porsche911

Replace the lever when you replace the clutch, or sooner if it is giving your problems.

AndyK

Thanks for the photo. I find at speed, the clutch disengages fine. But from first to second, I get that notchy, balky release. If it is the lever, I wouldn't have a mechanic take the transmision out without having the clutch replaced.

Does a bad lever cause premature wear on the clutch, or just cause noise and strange performance at low speeds?

1999Porsche911

Bad lever can cause the disc to have a delay in engagement, especially at high rpm, quick shifts. This will wear your clutch. Shifitng near redline, quickly from 2nd to 3rd should prove whether there is a problem with the lever. If it is binding, you will get clutch slippage for a second and then it will fully engage.

AndyK

I notice the problem on disengagement, at slow speeds. When I engage and release the clutch and nail it on the highway, there is no delay or slipping.

1999Porsche911

You'll only notice it at high torque and a quick shift.
Either way, replace it next time you go in there.

AndyK

Next time a mechanic goes in there! I saw the TSB related to the lever. When they quote "time units", is that in minutes, or some secret mechanic time?