Volkswagen: cluch chatter, vw dune buggy, clutch disk

Question
Hello
I just replaced a cluch and preasure plate in my 1958 vw dune buggy I did so because when i bought the car the guy said That the cluch chatetrs in first gear it most likly needs a new one . well the chatter did not completly go away ?? what could be causing this .I did not get a new flywheel  however i did get it machined.

Answer
Hi Paul,

Here are some likely causes:

1) The throw out bearing

2) The flywheel was not machined correctly

3) Oil is leaking out of the rear seal on to the clutch (however, you would probably have noticed this when removing the old one).

4) The rear bearing on the engine is starting to go, creating a wobble.

Here is my suggestion, if it is bad enough to remove the engine/trans assembly.

a) Start with the flywheel and get it checked, and make sure that it is balanced properly.   Mate the clutch and pressure plate up to it, and have it balanced again, this time as a unit.  Any reputable machine shop will do.

b) Replace the throw-out bearing, regardless.  They are about $30.00 or less.

c) If the flywheel/pressure plate is ok, and there is NO oil/grease on the clutch disk, check the clutch release arm in the transmission.  Ensure that the bushings are well lubricated, there is no play, and the arm is not bent at all.  Again, if you are unsure if this arm is bent, have a machine shop check it out.   

d) If all this passes muster, you are going to have to check out the engine itself, and make sure there are no major problems with it.  First, check the crankshaft end-play.   Second, bring it to a machine shop.  They will be able to spin it with the flywheel on to ensure the crank is not bent.

That is the whole ball of wax, Paul.   Most likely, your engine is OK, but I wanted to give you every possible scenario and the cheapest/best order in which to diagnose your problem.

Here is an excellent resource for VW Transmissions, should you need any specialized parts:

http://www.transworks.biz/

They specialize in performance and stock transmissions for VW Buggys.   In addition, they have excellent technical advice if none of the above helps you.

Feel free to mention my name, I have bought several transmissions from them personally.

Best of Luck, and let me know how you make out.


Ron Wolff