Hi, everyone -

I have a 2010 four door JK that I bought (almost new) with 3k miles on it. Almost 120k on the clock now. Original clutch and components.
I have had a clutch pedal squeak for the last couple of years.
The clutch pedal would squeak (as if needing lubricant) on the depress and also on the release. I noticed the noise got much worse in Summer's hot weather.

I had some work performed on the truck from my local dealer; specifically amongst other things a brake fluid flush and refill/bleed. I conveyed the clutch squeak to the tech, and he immediately responded with suggesting replacing the clutch master cylinder, which is presently on order.

But since the brake/clutch fluid flush refill and bleed, the squeak noise is gone. Not just better, GONE. So clearly this eliminates the TO bearing, and clutch master cylinder (since it hasn't been replaced yet). But what gives here? This is the first Wrangler I've owned (bought it almost new with 3k on it), and apart from a BMW Motorcycle the first vehicle to have a hydraulic clutch. I've never had a vehicle that produced a squeaky clutch that wasn't a mechanical lubrication problem.

I've been reading through the forum on this page and on others; and have seen many other people suffering the same problem. Have read through the successful resolves for them, but am still skeptical (: Could changing the fluid actually have corrected the problem; and if so, why? Or is this a temperature-related condition and should I expect it to return next Summer?

Thanks so much in advance for your experience and assistance,

- Bill

 

I don't think it's actually resolved. Mine squeaks and there are days where it's silent. I took it in under warranty and they said it was normal. Replaced slave cylinders, TOB's, and even a clutch- it comes back. I think it is a lubrication issue and @MrT has a fix, I'm just living with it though.

 

This is a thing on that clutch. My 2007, with 269,000 miles on it, has had it come and go. And if you search back far enough on the forum, you can see where I (and many others) changed pretty much everything in a frustrating attempt to eliminate it. Bottom line, it does just come and go. Right now, mine has been gone for a couple years. But I know it will be back someday. My Jeep is old enough that it's just part of the vehicle's character.

 

Thanks for your responses, Karl and Mark.

When I picked the truck up yesterday, I chatted with another Service Advisor, who suggested that the brake/clutch fluid flush and refill was the solution. He stated that they changed from DOT 3 to 4 fluid, and because I was still using the original 10 year old (my fault) fluid, that perhaps it had lost viscosity and developed air in the system. I noticed a big difference in braking, so there must have been air in the system. So far, so good on the clutch performance and noise. Now, on to running the tank as low as possible so that I can replace the fuel tank skid.

Thanks again for everyone's responses and help!

 

That fuel skid is fun to do. Get a couple ratchet straps across the frame side to side to help out. Don't use all of them though because you'll want to lower the skid and fish one between the tank and skid to hold the tank up.

***There are plastic fittings on the top of your tank. Be careful, they can/ will break if you stretch them too far. I'd look at disconnecting them to give you more room when you're moving things around.****

Have fun, be safe with it. YesIt's not bad, just need more than two hands is all.

 

Thanks, Karl -

I did the fuel tank skid replacement late last week. No, not a fun job; but definitely possible to do by oneself. I used and enjoyed my big floor jack from my local Harbor Freight.

Perfectly silent clutch still too. And with new Engine mounts and steering stabilizer, the truck drives and sounds like new again.

Thanks again!

- Bill


Old and new Skid