I had a new clutch fitted on my 1989 Escort in the last few days. The
previous clutch had clearly worn and was slipping considerably.
However, the new clutch is causing problems. When engaging 1st gear
the biting point is miniscule and difficult to control, and regardless
of the level of revs, high or low, the take-up is very sharp and tries
to jump the car forward. Also, again regardless of the revs, the car
judders and shudders violently upon the engagement of 1st gear. It
feels as if the car is shaking to pieces. When moving into 2nd, 3rd
and 4th gear the sharpness of the engagement and the judder/shudder is
still there but less apparent. Once moving the car is fine with no
unusual noises, although the pull of the car is not as good as I would
have expected.
I have been driving cars for over 20 years although I have never
driven a car with a new clutch. All my previous cars and clutches
have been smooth to engage gear, with a reasonable amount of biting
point plus no judder whatsoever. Are these symptoms normal? Or do I
have a problem?
Any help, advice or suggestions will be greatly received.
RV - 29 Oct 2004 21:30 GMT
>I had a new clutch fitted on my 1989 Escort in the last few days. The
>previous clutch had clearly worn and was slipping considerably.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>judders and shudders violently upon the engagement of 1st gear. It
>feels as if the car is shaking to pieces.
They either bent the clutch friction plate hub when fitting the
gearbox, (hung it on the spigot diring fitting it) or broke a gbox
mount.
Most likely the bent friction plate hub.
Take it back and give them the bad news before it cooks up your
flywheel surface.
RV - 29 Oct 2004 21:35 GMT
>>I had a new clutch fitted on my 1989 Escort in the last few days. The
>>previous clutch had clearly worn and was slipping considerably.
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>mount.
>Most likely the bent friction plate hub.
Or perhaps bashed the spigot againt the fingers of the pressure plate,
if a few are bent youll get much the same effect.
>Take it back and give them the bad news before it cooks up your
>flywheel surface.
Anthony - 29 Oct 2004 22:22 GMT
> I had a new clutch fitted on my 1989 Escort in the last few days. The
> previous clutch had clearly worn and was slipping considerably.
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> have a problem?
> Any help, advice or suggestions will be greatly received.
Also somewhat classic symptoms of a missing pilot bearing/bushing.

Signature
Anthony
You can't 'idiot proof' anything....every time you try, they just make
better idiots.
Remove sp to reply via email
gusfoe - 31 Oct 2004 20:25 GMT
Thanks for all of your responses. Does anyone else have any further info?
Thanks again