Possible clutch chatter * was a u-joint*

[derekmac]

A couple of weeks ago, my Jeep (2005 6spd) would chatter when accelerating, but only the very odd time, and only for a very short distance. The condition hadn't really worsened until today.

This morning when leaving for work, I had bad chatter when accelerating and decelerating. It was doing it constantly, and would stop completely when I pushed the clutch in. After about 5min of driving, I went through the drive thru to get a coffee, and when I went to leave, it was fine again, and stayed fine until I got to work.

Where it went away when I pushed the clutch in, am I right in thinking it might be clutch related?

There's no slipping with the clutch either.

 

[UPJOHN]

Your rear main might be leaking, or the springs on your clutch disc may be weak.

 

[derekmac]

The RMS does have a bit of a leak.

 

[derekmac]

Well since I didn't check the rear driveshaft, but had checked the front, I pulled it when I got home. The u-joint going to the diff was SHOT SHOT SHOT SHOT SHOT!!!! SOOOO much play in it!! I removed it, drove it in FWD, and it was smooth as silk. I've had u-joints go in other vehicles, but they never made near the chatter/vibration that this one was making.

 

[Chris]

So did you solve the issue then?

If you're rear main seal is leaking and the clutch is chattering, that wouldn't be a coincidence in most cases. Often times the clutch will get soaked in oil and then the chattering begins.

It sounds like your issue was u-joint related though?

 

[derekmac]

Yep, turns out it was u-joint related. I've had clutches go, and chatter close to what this was doing. And since it went away when I pushed the clutch in, that led me to believe it was the clutch.

I'm going to order up two new u-joints for it. The other one seems ok, but might as well do it as well.

 

[Stinger]

Glad you found the problem and even more glad you posted the solution. Thanks.

 

[derekmac]

I picked up and installed a new u-joint today, and all is running nice and smooth. I couldn't get a Spicer joint today though, so I ended up with a lifetime Moog one. I have a run this weekend, so needed something today. The parts store is 30 seconds from my house though, so that has to count for something, right? lol

 

[Chris]

Moog should be fine!