1996 Ford Ranger Replacing The Clutch - Truck Trend Garage

Q: I just had a shop replace the clutch in my 4WD 1996 Ford Ranger. The first clutch started slipping after about an hour of driving. They replaced it, and it stopped slipping. But now when I go to take off slowly from a stop, the truck jumps and vibrates. It's not so bad if I raise the rpm before I let up on the clutch, and I don't notice it on the road, just from a stop. What was done during clutch replacement? They should have replaced the clutch pressure plate, disc, release bearing, pilot bearing, and resurfaced or replaced the flywheel. A: I'm not sure what made the clutch slip so badly following the first installation, but slipping will produce warpage and hot spots on the flywheel's friction surface, which will give you plenty of chatter while engaging the clutch from a stop. Other causes may be fluid contamination anywhere on the clutch, defective/worn parts, or incorrect installation. Get it back to the shop, and give them one more chance. Have them take it apart, inspect it thoroughly, and replace or resurface the flywheel regardless.

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How To Reach Alex
If you have a technical question regarding your pickup, SUV, or van, feel free to contact Alex, a master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Send a letter to him in care of Truck Trend Garage, 831 S. Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245, or e-mail us at trucktrend@sourceinterlink.com. Please include the VIN with your question. Due to the volume of questions received every month, we cannot guarantee that everyone's question will be personally answered or will appear in the magazine.

Can't wait for help with a problem you're having with your Truck or SUV? Ask the expert we trust here at Truck Trend Garage -- visit Alex Steele at www.RealWorldAutomotive.com.   |   1996 Ford Ranger XLT Super Cab Front Three Quarter

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