Clutch Problems
 

A Local Shop has replaced the clutch on our 2002 Mustang GT after driving it to 127,000 miles. GT was purchased use at 35,000 miles.

We CAN NOT stop the clutch from slipping in 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear if we push the accelerator down quickly. RPM's jump but speed stays the same. With X pipes on it we KNOW engine has increased in RPM's not just looking at the Tach.

I have not noticed a major slipage in 1st or 2nd while "putting the petal to the metal". There must be some because of the problem in the other gears.

Today coming to work aan big old Escalade almost run over me because I could not accelererate in 5th until I dropped it down to 4th. RPM's was over 4 grad in 5th at 50 MPH. NOT RIGHT!

The new equipment includes a clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing, clutch fork, and clutch fork mount, re-dressed flywheel, and clutch linkage cable (non-adjustable type).

This is the second clutch and pressure plate that has been installed in the last 1,500 miles.

If we can drive the GT for almost 100,000 on one clutch it would indicate that we do not abuse the drive train on this car.

We have had it in over 6 times to adjust the clutch cable linkage and it keeps doing the same thing.

Any and all ideas on what is wrong will be useful.

The owner of the shop drives and works on Mustangs of all ages. He is as baffled as I am.

I have driven and replaced clutches in cars and trucks for over 45 years and this one is driving me up a wall!

I have used the Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums for about 10 years with very good results.

Thanks for your help.

Ron

1966, Mustang, 4-Speed
1987, Bronco II, 5-Speed
1999, F250 SDSC PowerStoke, Auto
2001, F350 SDCC PowerStoke, 6-Speed
2002, Sport Trac, Auto
2002, Mustang GT, 5-Speed
1999, Harley, Ultra Classic, 5-Speed
1999, Harley, Sportster, 5-Speed
WE ARE SHIFTY PEOPLE!

1st post, eh? Welcome to the forums. Anyway, it goes without saying that your clutch is improperly adjusted. If the cable itself is not OEM (as in directly from Ford), that could be the problem as many aftermarket cables are known for being problematic. Another thing I just thought of is that the factory plastic quadrant may be worn out or weak and therefore flexing and not allowing proper engagement. Have you tried the "pulling up on the clutch pedal" trick?

OK Expain the "pulling up on the clutch pedal" trick to me. I have looked through this forum for other ideas and saw this one but this former "Certified Shade Tree Mechanic" (lost certification when tree blew down, so built a shop with a 10,000lb two post left) can not find any additional info on this trick.

I have pulled up on the pedal with my foot while driving with no change in operation.

Shop just called and GT is ready AGAIN so it off to see if it REALLY IS READY to drive.

The "trick" is reading the owner's manual (you can download one here):

http://www.paladinmicro.com/images/ClutchAdjust01.png

Seems to me like something a "certified" mechanic that "drives and works on Mustangs of all ages" would have heard of.

Here's more about working with the semi-automatic adjuster, there should be 1" to 1-1/4" free play in the pedal...

If the adjustment doesnt work than the clutch has already failed, more than likley from poor installation and or inproper break in period.What brand clutch are you putting in.

Consider a firewall adjuster. With one of those u can adjust the clutch in and out, and make sure it's engaging popery.

GO HERE: http://www.americanmuscle.com/noname3.html

and order this it will fix anything that may be wrong except improper gear install

Get a Centerforce Dual Friction clutch and aftermarket quadrant
and firewall adjuster with a new OEM Ford clutch cable that
will fix your problems.
Sounds to me that your clutch is failing.