Cherokee Clutch problem (again)

[XJNick]

1068646

Hi I need help diagnosing this "clutch" problem on my '88 cherokee:

About a month and a half ago I was hearing a rhythmic rattling noise from the bell housing and the clutch began to chatter horrible in reverse. The shop said the clutch was warped and they replaced the throw-out bearing and clutch disc. Problem seemed solved.

Several weeks ago I noticed some clutch chatter in first gear upon engagement or at clutch point. I bled the system twice and the chatter almost went away. Soon after, the rattling noise came back from nowhere. at some point in here I began feeling resistance engaging 1st gear.

Now the noise has gotten very loud. It kind of sounds like a fan blade tapping a piece of metal in relation to the engine's RPMs. The sound only happens on acceleration or while holding Clutch point and quiets down or stops if the Jeep is coasting. Since the sound came back the clutch chatters again in 1st and reverse, but if I don't hear the sound, the clutch doesn't chatter. Therefore I don't think the old clutch was causing any problems. Any ideas? The Jeep is going back to the shop this weekend and i'd like to have an idea of what could still be wrong.

Thanks for any help
-Nick

edited by: XJNick, May 22, 2003 - 11:16 AM[addsig]

 

[MudDawg]

1068668

If the previous clutch repair was only a disc and release bearing...incomplete job...leaves room for many things to cause rapid reoccurance...a clutch job should ALWAYS include a disc, pressure plate, release bearing, pilot bearing and the refinishing of the flywheel...and use a high quality clutch kit...I have never had real good results with "remanufactured" clutches in off road operated vehicles..the conditions are brutal...in your case it sounds to me like maybe the pilot bearing is shot... a damaged pilot bearing will fail to center the disc, allowing it to wallow around..if the hub cushion springs are all wallowed out but not broken..take a close look at the trans input shaft where it sticks into the pilot bearing.or the release arms on the old pressure plate were worn, causing rapid failure of the release bearing...or one arm is so damaged it can't release..or...or....dang i love mysteries...[addsig]