Re: alfa-digest V7 #50

[FERDINANDO DI MATTEO <fredalfa@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Subject: Milano Drivetrain/clutch problems

As noted earlier my clutch has started to slip and occasionally grind
going
into first and third. The complete unit was replaced two years and 18K
miles
ago, so there is no reason for it to go so soon, even though my dear
spouse
has been driving the car for past two months. A month ago I had the
front
donut replaced and following that there was a slight judder whenever I
took
off in 1st., and an even more noticeable judder starting off in 2nd.
Probably
because front bolts had been tightened before the center bearing and
rear
bolts had been, so that driveshaft was not balanced properly. Could that
have
any bearing (ouch !) on the clutch going out of whack - in approx. 300
miles ?
Or could it possibly be the clutch slave unit on its way out, as that
was not
replaced.
Fred - any ideas on this ?
Graham Arlen. Oakland CA

Well Graham, if your spouse drives the way mine does, it's a wonder the
clutch lasts any time at all.  Too, starting in 2nd gear is also a
contributor, especially if engine speed is much over 1000 rpm.  The
shuddering may be due to the splined coupling not being adjusted
properly after donut replacement.  Most often clutches that get oil or
grease contamination also cause shuddering.  The slave would not
contribute even if it leaked badly.  If your car has the front splined
coupling, loosen the locking bolt, make sure the spline is free and run
the engine at idle speed for about 10 seconds and tighten the bolt. That
procedure will allow the shaft to seek its proper length.
I found that under those conditions I simply engage the clutch at idle
speed then accelerate.  Fred Di Matteo

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