1998mustangcobra

Hey guys,

Well, I thought that all would be well after adjusting the clutch, but unfortunately not. It helped the issue for a week or so, really until the clutch's break in period (500 miles) was over. But once I slammed through the gears a time or two the vibration came back. The only thing that I didn't replace when I installed my new transmission was the throwout bearing release lever (or whatever the hell they call that thing). It got a new clutch, pressure plate, resurfaced flywheel, pilot bearing, throwout bearing, and a new shifter. If that throwout bearing release lever is worn out, would that cause pedal vibration? Once you put pressure on the pedal all vibration stops, and there is no chatter or shakey takeoff. The only time it vibrates and chatters is when there is no pressure on the pedal.

Once again, thank you guys for all your help. You help keep me from pulling out my hair!
Justin

cliffyk

How much free play in the pedal, it should be 1" to 1-1/4"?

Was the release lever pivot ball retaining spring (at the right in the photo below) in good condition and properly install to clamp the lever to the pivot ball?

Was the TOB pre-load spring (see below) in good condition and properly installed?



If the answers are yes, yes and yes then the pressure plate's Belleville spring fingers could be damaged or bent...

1998mustangcobra

Yes, there is about that much play in the pedal. As far as the condition of the retainer spring, I remember it being a little bit worn but it wasn't noticably bad. I'm going to jack it up hopefully this weekend and take a peek. I think I may have knocked the lever off of the pivot ball when I put the transmission back in (or that's what I'm hoping for, it's the easiest fix). Thanks a ton for the illustration and information!

1998mustangcobra

Well, turns out that the vibration I was having in the clutch was due to a bent finger on that brand new Spec pressure plate So much that. Going back with a King Corba.

cliffyk

A year and a half or so ago there was a discussion of Spec clutches here on this forum--in less than 15 minutes of browsing Google images ("Spec clutch fail*") I compiled this montage of failed Spec clutches:



You can search for any other brand and not get 1/100 as many hits.

Here's a link to that older thread...

1998mustangcobra

My goodness, I wish I had done some more research before I bought the Spec. Well, if anything it was a learning experience of what NOT to buy. I got the car back today and unfortunately I still have some vibration in the pedal but not nearly as bad as it was. I think a little adjusting will get most of it out. Thanks a bunch for the info cliffy, it was much appreciated. Now I know to stay the hell away from Spec!