GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cause

Action

DEFINITION: The clutch grabs, or chatters, or the clutch is unable to release without the vehicle jerking. An abrupt engagement of the clutch.

Review the Symptoms - Clutch and perform the necessary inspections.

Grease or oil contamination on the clutch facings

  1. Repair the cause of the oil leak or grease contamination.
  2. Clean the clutch facings.
  3. Replace the clutch components if they will not clean. Refer to Clutch Assembly Replacement .

Loose or faulty engine mounts

  1. Inspect the engine mounts for being loose or faulty. Refer to Engine Mount Inspection in Engine Mechanical - 2.8L (LK5) or Engine Mount Inspection in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L (L52).
  2. Repair or replace the engine mounts as required. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement - Left Side and Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side in Engine Mechanical - 2.8L (LK5) or Engine Mount Replacement - Left Side and Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L (L52).

Clutch pedal sticking

  1. Inspect the clutch pedal for correct operation.
  2. Replace the clutch pedal if it is faulty. Refer to Clutch Pedal Replacement .

Clutch actuator cylinder binding

  1. Inspect the clutch actuator cylinder for the piston seals binding or sticking on the hub.
  2. Replace the clutch actuator cylinder if it is binding. Refer to Clutch Actuator Cylinder Replacement .

Clutch master cylinder binding

  1. Inspect the clutch master cylinder for the piston binding or sticking in the cylinder.
  2. Replace the master cylinder if it is faulty. Refer to Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement .

Improper clutch installation

  1. Inspect for the following conditions:
  2. • The pressure plate for distortion caused by improperly tightening the pressure plate bolts
    • The clutch disc for a bent hub caused by forcing the installation of the transmission
    • The correct clutch disc
    • The clutch disc for being installed backwards
  3. Replace the clutch assembly if it is damaged, or if the wrong components were installed. Refer to Clutch Assembly Replacement .

Clutch disc binding on the input shaft

  1. Inspect for the following conditions:
  2. • The input shaft for rust dirt or debris
    • The clutch disc for a bent hub
    • The input shaft for excessive wear on the splines, causing the clutch disc to bind
  3. Repair or replace the following components if found faulty.
  4. • Clean and lubricate the input shaft.
    • Replace the clutch assembly if the clutch disc is faulty. Refer to Clutch Assembly Replacement .
    • Replace the transmission input shaft if it is worn. Refer to Transmission Disassemble in Manual Transmission - Aisin AR5 Unit Repair.

Clutch pressure plate damaged

  1. Inspect the pressure plate for bent drive straps caused by improper vehicle use.
  2. Replace the clutch assembly if the clutch pressure plate is damaged. Inform the customer. Refer to Clutch Assembly Replacement .

Flywheel improperly machined

  1. Inspect the flywheel for being machined, and causing interference with the clutch disc.
  2. Replace the flywheel if it has been machined. Refer to Engine Flywheel Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.8L (LK5) or Engine Flywheel Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L (L52).

Flywheel uneven

  1. Inspect the flywheel surface for being warped or uneven.
  2. Replace the flywheel if it is faulty. Refer to Engine Flywheel Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.8L (LK5) or Engine Flywheel Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L (L52).