JohnRW1621
JohnRW1621 UltimaDork
4/27/15 11:51 a.m.

I have had this problem all winter and I figured it was either low temps or driver error (myself.)
The temps are improving, the issue is not.

Problem:
At the very start of the day, when the car is cold, I always have "rough engagement" of the clutch. To explain the situation is like the trans shakes or "clutch chatter" when the vehicle begins to move. The car doesn't ever not move just a bit "shakey" as it moves. It really seems like driver error of letting the clutch out too far, too quickly, at take-off.
Once the vehicle is warmed, the problem never repeats itself during the day. All engagement is smooth and effortless for the rest of the day.

Vehicle:
'03 Saturn Vue 4cyl manual trans. Currently 224k miles and well maintained.
I bought the car at 140k with a fresh engine swap of 40k on engine. I was told by the seller/flipper that the clutch "looked good" when the engine was put in. Miles on clutch, unknown, but I have put 84k miles on it myself.
Clutch fluid reservoir is easy to access. Fluid is full but dark (i've seen darker.)

So, I have always owner clutched vehicles but surprisingly, never have had a clutch replaced in any.
Is this just clutch wear and time for a new clutch?
Why is it perfect the rest of the day but wrong in the morning?

I have not ruled out motor mount or trans mount but seems if this were the issue it would be the same issue at all points of the day.

bgkast
bgkast UltraDork
4/27/15 12:00 p.m.

Sounds like the clutch, not driver error. I wouldn't worry about it unless it really bothers you. If it does it's new clutch and flywheel resurfacing time.

Swank Force One
Swank Force One MegaDork
4/27/15 12:09 p.m.

Probably half my cars have done this. My Cherokee does it really badly, exacerbated by the destroyed motor and trans mounts i need to replace.

Grtechguy
Grtechguy UltimaDork
4/27/15 12:18 p.m.

Another vote for the clutch. Wait for it to die completely and pony up $300 for a new clutch kit (Plate, clutch, bearing and flywheel). Last time I looked, parts weren't available separately for my Pontiac.

Kenny_McCormic
Kenny_McCormic PowerDork
4/27/15 1:41 p.m.

Old clutches can chatter like that, I forget why. Though I'd be giving the ignition system an inspection/tuneup first. The high mile clutch chatter I remember usually happened hot, feathering the clutch in parking maneuvers.

Do you know how to stress test a clutch?

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