I had my clutch replaced about 3k miles ago. Flywheel was fine. All good until the last few weeks when it started slipping in first gear. Even stalled it a few times getting it moving or pulling into the garage. Also noticed a significant decrease in acceleration just in first gear. Otherwise, shifting is fine 2-6. Scheduled to take it back to my Indy next week, but wanted to get input from you guys before I take it in. Clutch, flywheel or tranny? Thanks!

 

From a full stop, put it in second, give the engine some revs and take off. If the clutch is slipping you will know. Always machine the flywheel when replacing the clutch. 3K is very low mileage for a clutch to go bad again, so something is wrong with the install. Not the tranny, it is mechanical and will not "slip". Probably glazing on your flywheel.

 

First is usually the last gear that it slips in. Maybe the slave cylinder or throw out fork is sticking?
If it is slipping that bad the Dual mass flywheel is probably toasty.
Sometimes it is hard to get shops to resurface a DMS flywheel. I had to shop around to get my first one done and it worked out fine. I replaced it ~20k miles later when I replaced the IMSB with the ceramic one.

 

If it is the flywheel, should that have been addressed when the clutch was done 7 months ago?

 

By slipping, you mean that RPM increases without a corresponding increase in output at the wheels, right? Seems odd that you'd be more likely to stall when first is slipping.

Only you and the shop know whether the flywheel should have been addressed when your clutch was replaced. Mine was resurfaced, but I was showing normal slippage (some 3rd, mostly 4th and 5th gear under acceleration), rather than the really odd first-gear slipping you're describing.

What do you mean by "decrease in acceleration?"

 

Thanks 5CHN3LL. Basically trouble getting the car moving in first. Heavy on the gas to keep from stalling, then not the usual pull until I get to 2nd...then it's all good from there. Came out of nowhere. Like I said, actually stalled it a few times which hasn't happened since I was 16 (a looong time ago). Yes, RPMs are noticeably higher under initial acceleration without the normal speed I am used too.

 

How does the clutch "feel"? I am asking because this could be any number of things: clutch slave cylinder sticking, bad release bearing, clutch fork is bad, clutch is bad, glazing on the flywheel. The point being this isn't going to go away and the only solution is to have the tranny pulled so all of this can be checked. For the shop that did the original work...what did they do (replace)? And will they fix it under warranty? What type of clutch did they install..OE?

 

Old clutch was replaced with an OE clutch and it feels normal except it just feels like it's not catching in first gear to get moving...almost as if the pedal needs a few more inches at the top is the best way to describe it. Taking it in on Monday.

 

Don't drive it anymore or you can wipe out the disk. Get someone that knows a bit more about cars and have them test it and get their oppinion on it because your description is difficult to understand.

 

Sorry but you cant do (not recommended by LUK) this on the DMF. You must replace it which should have been done anyway when the clutch was replaced. Not sure of your mileage but every clutch related part should have been replaced.

Gonzo, your description sounds odd. Does everything work fine if cars on a lift? Can you post a vid of whats going on?

 

have the installer road test it...do not drive it until they do

 

Really weird. Sorry, don't have a lift and I'm not sure a video would provide any more info. I'm going to keep it in the garage this weekend and take it in Monday to the shop that did the clutch and have them look at everything. If it is a flywheel issue I believe that should have been addressed when the clutch/IMS was done a short time ago. Will report back when I know more. Thanks everyone as usual!

 

Yea, best is to take it back to the shop. Whatever it is, I'm pretty sure they need to open up the transmission to find out more as obviously your clutch is slipping and that can't be a shift linkage or external problem.

 

You know, it is possible to install the clutch disc backwards but Im not sure what symptoms that would cause. At this point we're all WAG'ing. We would really like to see and/or hear whats going on.

Gonzo, can you smell the typical slipping, burnt clutch smell?

 

No clutch smell. No sound. Just sloppy in first gear. I agree, not much to go on. I should know more Monday afternoon.

Thanks again. BTW KK...I kinda missed you while you were gone!