Clutch chatter... cause and correction?

[epapp]

I had the exact same symptoms at 90k. Chatter only with certain release pressure, whereas heavy or light release wouldn't cause the problem. My clutch also appeared to not be slipping (if I dumped the clutch, I could feel a definite 'hook-up' when the clutch disk locked rotation with the flywheel, no rising revs when floored in 5th etc). Then, one morning I released the clutch and got especially bad chatter (was trying to focus on not merging into a truck when releasing the clutch). That chatter broke my clutch fork, causing the clutch to feel like it was releasing higher on the pedal (clutch fork wasn't engaging the pressure plate completely when pushed down/released). Eventually I couldn't get it in any gear when the engine was running.

The (semi) good news is:

Do the work now and avoid getting stranded.

When you pull the tranny, you will most definitely need a new clutch and pressure plate, so you can have those parts ready.

You will almost certainly need a new flywheel, but the price online is the same as if you go to a Porsche dealer (1k), so just verify the dealer has them in stock before beginning work.

I would also buy a new slave cylinder and clutch fork if I were you. The chatter probably weakened your fork already and it would be a huge PITA to take the tranny off again just for a fork (its <$50, also a revised 987 design). The slave is $90 and so very easy to change if the tranny is out.

[amagalla]

Originally Posted by epapp

You will almost certainly need a new flywheel, but the price online is the same as if you go to a Porsche dealer (1k), so just verify the dealer has them in stock before beginning work.

The Dual Mass flywheel should not cost you $1000. I got mine (a LUK brand that is actually a SACHS OEM stamped with the same SACHS name and part number) for about $350 with the pilot bearing installed. Rock auto is the best price I found. For that price, I figured that I might as well change it too, while I'm in there.

Tony