NBTBRV8

Guys,

My clutch when reversing shudders quite badly, yet when going forward it has no shudder at all. In fact you can take off on flat ground without pressing the accelerator and the pedal has a reasonably low bite point. It shows no sign of slip when accelerating either. Now it could be that the springs in the clutch plate have lost their tension causing the shudder in reverse, as I have seen this before.

Does anybody have any experience on this? The dealer thinks my clutch is worn badly, but I really have my doubts. They say that that is why my pedal is so heavy (feels normal to me). The bite point is reasonably low in the travel and I don't think these things have a self adjusting clutch, so if it was wearing you'd imagine the bite point would be reasonably high in the travel.

I also note that on occasions the resistance in the depression of the clutch pedal changes, so it is linear 2/3 of the way down, but then goes softer, almost like you are pushing the cup in the master cylinder inside out. However it doesn't do it all the time.

Any ideas

993GT

IMHO, it's worn-out engine/trans mounts.... could also be an oil-soaked clutch disc from RMS leak but would typically shudder in forward as well...
Clutch feel sounds normal, 1/3 last of pedal gets lighter as the clutch 'pivots' out.
Cheers,

Jamie_GT3

997.2 Pressure plates are known weak points. If you track and don't rev match absolutely perfect then the PP starts to weaken...

Rob996

My car is behaving in a very similar manner, with the shuddering in reverse and fine going forward. The pedal feel is heavy as it should be for a gt3, with the friction or bite point is closer to the top of the release.. I went to have the car checked by my independent mechanic not the dealer, he informed me the clutch is nearing the end, and will need a new clutch shortly. He also said that it could still last quite a few kilometres but if it fails I will need to have the car towed. Btw, these clutches are self adjusting.

As I'm about to store the car for the winter I will replace it in the spring and flush out the transmission and differtial fluid at the same time.. I do track my car and don't plan losing an event because I should have replaced the clutch earlier, just not the right buck to save..

A question to the experts here, is the 4 litre clutch upgrade worth getting, I have read installing the 4L kit with lighter flywheel is easier revving and more responsive. On the downside it doesn't last as long and is twice the money than the original equipment clutch?

My car is covered by a CPO warranty until 2016 and have also heard that installing the 4L clutch package could void the warranty.. Is this indeed correct.?

Thanks

NBTBRV8

I went to collect mine from the dealer today as it was in for a general service and they confirmed that the clutch did need replacing. As a point they also had a 2009 GT2 in there which runs the same clutch components and the pedal weight was probably about 1/3 lighter than mine.

So it looks like I will be fitting a new one. As the GT3 runs a dual mass flywheel, do I need to change this as a mandatory part even if it "looks" ok? If so this doubles the price of the parts required. On BMWs with their dual mass flywheels, they stipulate that they must be changed regardless.

Rob996, how many miles/kms has yours done? Mine has done 51,000kms with maybe less than 1000kms on track.

brake dust

Robb996

Don't think it will void your warranty - but would confirm with your dealer. My dealer mechanic recommended upgrading to the 4.0 when it's time.

ChrisF

OP

Had same shudder symptoms in my 997.2 GT3. Dealer suspected, confirmed and replaced the throw out bearing under warranty. They inspected the disc at the same time. It was barely worn and reused. Still going strong.

I would relay the info and ask if it's just the TO bearing that they warrantee it. If the whole clutch is worn its likely on you.

Rob996

NBT,

My car has 40,000 KM's, with several thousand KM's on the track..

I am considering the 4.0 kit, clutch and LWFW, but not if negatively affects the warranty. I hear it's louder than the stock set up which I don't mind at all

NBTBRV8

When I get the clutch changed mid next month I will post back my findings and a few photos.

khooni

what's the difference between the 3.8RS clutch and LWFW vs the 4.0L package?

NBTBRV8

For those that are following this thread, I have ordered all the parts, in fact everything in the bell housing. You don't need to replace everything, but it was all pretty cheap so I've bought the lot as per the EPC screenshots.

The car goes in on Monday, so I take photos of the used parts and report back how it feels.

brake dust

Thanks for the update. Not familiar with the part numbers - did you go with the 4.0 clutch?

NBTBRV8

No I went with the standard GT3.

Rob996

NBT, I am hooked on with great interest as I may going down the same path soon enough.

Thanks for sharing and can't wait until the work is completed

medpilot105

Yeah, I'll echo Rob996's comments. Thanks for the updates and I'm subscribed. I think mine will be due sooner than later. Let us know!