4 replies to this topic

[wingnut]

What causes clutch judder.

[Will16]

Mine was cause by a dodgy master cylinder. Could also be oil seal leaking onto clutch plate

[tiger99]

Or engine mounts and steadies, or faulty clutch plate, maybe fitted backwards (if that is possible). You will know if oil is leaking, but it doesn't always contaminate the clutch. You may be able to check through the timing hole, if yours has one (the little removable plate near the top of the casing) for general oiliness.

 

Oh, and as I explained a few weeks ago, there is such a thing as driver-induced oscillation. It is made more likely by certain parts of the clutch system being designed to give too sudden a bite (competition clutch plate or heavier springs or diaphragm?), and worsened by incorrect foot action. I tried to give driving lessons to someone in my second Mini a long time ago, and he always provoked such severe judder that we gave up. He is now a good, safe driver on "softer" cars. The problem comes when the acceleration of the car affects the driver's leg, causing a feedback loop. Usually it happens when you stamp on the pedal instead of pivoting your foot with the heel remaining firmly on the floor at all times. Some cars have a hydraulic damper to slow the transfer of fluid and so get a more gentle engagement, but you should not need one on a Mini, which is supposed to be a real drivers car, not some soft thing for old ladies.

 

If there is no apparent oil where it should not be, I would try investigating your foot action, making sure that you are pivoting it correctly on the heel, and try adjusting the seat or using a cushion to get your legs at a different angle. Only when you have done that should you think about dismantling things. The initial checks cost nothing except a few minutes of your time and a pint or two of fuel.

[skoughi]

I've been fretting about a "hunting" issue I've been having with my clubman these last few weeks when driving her on light throttle about the town. I've now kinda realised that it is probably a very small fuel/timing problem that's magnified by a car that was designed in the fifties, solid subframe mounts, new so therefore still stiff engine mounts, 13" wheels with small sidewall tyres, spax ajustables probably slightly on the hard side, direct connection with the carb and ripples in the road transmitting through the car through my right foot and putting a slight pulse to the carb. I keep forgetting what an old car is like after driving modern cars with all their computers and softness. My clutch sometimes protests as well if I ride the pedal too much!

Edited by skoughi, 25 June 2016 - 10:50 PM.

[Spider]

Clutch Judder can be from

 

Oil on the Clutch Plate,

Engine Steady Bushes,

Engine Mounts,

Worn Primary Gear Bushes (and these are a headache ATM but not in regards to Clutch Judder),
Stretched Flywheel Drive Straps,
Loose Flywheel  ,
Worn Clutch Plate - although usually you'd be noticing it slipping first,
Flywheel in need of machining