i really dont know how to go about this still a newbie to jeeps,but hears my issue: my clutch started to shutter really bad today,you could hear like metal being shaved type sound, few months ago i thought my tranny locked up, and it was reallly hard to shift into any gear when my jeep was on, but when it was off it was ok, so i swapped out the tranny fluid and replaced with penzoil synchromesh. prolblem didnt go away (slightly better, but not the same shifting like it used to),and reading threads after threads i got mixed diagnosis ( slave cylinder needs bleeding,let the jeep warm up cause its cold, its a jeep thing, clutch, synchros,etc) and so now the jeep seems like the clutch is going,i've driven manuals before, and it feels like the clutch wants to give out.im not sure if i jus need to bleed the clutch or replace it, or jus go all the way and swap out the clutch,TOB, and slave cyl. but i could be wrong,im not trying to complain or whine, jus wanna know whats wrong so i can fix it and learn more,i love my jeep lol. any in sight is much appreciated thank you.oh and i bought mine used (2008 JKU 6spd bone stock 90,xxx+ miles) so warranty is out of the pic lol.

 

I would say clutch and throwout bearing are probably worn out, and the pressure plate.

 

Clutch, throw out bearing, pressure plate. Been there done that. This was what my throw out bearing looked like when I pulled it out



Broken clutch shaft



This is the bearings out of the throw out bearing in the bottom of of the tranny vent

 

Don't forget the pilot bearing. A bad pilot bearing will allow the input shaft of the trans to deflect and cause a shudder when you let out on the clutch from a dead stop.

Joe

 

You've got 90k on your rig, and bad symptoms....expect the worst and begin your teardown.

 

What happens with the clutch pedal? Does it have the same consistent feel all the way to the bottom and does it return all the way to the top every time you let your foot off the pedal? If it does then you likely do not have a hydraulic issue. If it does not then start with a bleed and see if that fixes it. Its much easier and cheaper to bleed the clutch than it is to replace the clutch.

If you have a consistent pedal feel and the pedal returns to the top like it always does then its time to pull the trans and replace the clutch kit. You might want to consider upgrading to a Centerforce clutch kit to give more bite. If you need to replace the clutch you will want to make sure that the kit has a throw out bearing (release bearing same thing), pressure plate, and clutch disc. You will also want to make sure that you resurface the flywheel to prevent any chatter. At that time you will also want to replace the pilot bearing. No sense in doing all that work and not replacing the pilot bearing.

 

Thank you all,for the input,I really appreciate it.having other insight and opinions helps out a lot.and yes my clutch feels slightly spongy but had now problem pressing and depressing,I plan on changing the old slave for a new one and master cylinder also while I'm already doing yhe clutch. I heard a lot of good things about center force,what's your take on LUK clutches?

 

LUK is an OEM manufacturer for many companies. They make quality products and hold up well. I can not comment on if they make a "performance" clutch kit or not.

 

I really want a spec clutch or center force but I am on a budget at this time,and heard luk was a decent brand for oem,this is my DD,and I don't really off road,jus want to get her back to running fine again lol.

 

Badpunkin made a very thorough writeup on replacing the clutch with a centerforce clutch. This should really help if you plan to do it yourself.