I have an 09 2dr JK and I recently took it out in the mud and got stuck for fifteen minutes before I was able to get back out. I was stupid enough to push the clutch in and out numerous times. The Jeep was not in water just very wet mud. When I got out I got home and the next day I noticed the clutch wasn't quite as "sticky" you could say or it didn't catch quite as quickly. It's a bit smoother now but I was wondering if this should be a cause for concern or if most JK drivers experienced their Jeep's clutch becoming a bit smoother in the first few months of use.

 

JK clutch is hard to get used to, to begin with. Looks like you are a little nervous that you did some damage and may be over analyzing the clutch. I would say it's pretty noticeable when there are problems. How deep was this wet mud up to?? The trans covered with it?

 

I was no more than a foot into it. I am more worried that I could have kicked mud into the trans. Is it possible to kick mud into the transmission if I only shifted after I had stopped the wheels spinning?

 

Not very likely from just wheel spin. You can get a hose and spray into the bellhousing and look for muddy water...

 

you may have litttle bit of mud in the housing. when you say smooth, how smooth are you talking about? clutches over time will get smoother shifting breaking in but you dont want it too smooth becasue that would mean you are slipping. i guess what im trying to describe is you want some kick to it when you shift. and how does the pedal feel, is it real spongie or stiff and after u shift into gear, does it feel ike the engine is trying but you arent realy going anywhere or is it drivijng like it was before?

 

So, is it possible to get mud or water into the transmission? Are you not supposed to shift gears in a manual when in terrain of that sort? Total newb question, but better to be thought a peg than spend an arm and leg

 

when your deep in water never shift

 

anyone correct me if this is not correct

my understanding on this one is you should not shift when under water or mud if you dont have to. when the clutch is pressed and the disks (sorry not technical) spread apart, that allows water and mud to get sandwiched inbetween each disk which could cause premature failure of your clutch or even tear it up on the spot if enough grit got into it.

in theory it is possible to get water into the transmision, but i have not actually heard of it. when the transmission is hot and hits the cold water, it would be possible for water to be sucked into the tranny through any seals or gaskets but to be honest i ahve not heard of any problems like that and i know for sure one possible way is the breather tube on the tranny. i have had mine in several feet of water or mud and never had any problem with the tranny, but whos to say it doesnt happen the next time i go offroading

 

Okay, others here have already explained the not shifting with tranny under water thing. Try to avoid doing it. As far as mud, it probably won't bring much to shift when you are that deep in mud anyway. The thing is, the clutch housing is not sealed, so water can get in. Thick mud probably won't. Now, if you do shift in mud or water, there is a chance that you can damage the clutch, because dirt gets between the clutch plate and pressure plate and flywheel and can tear things up. It normally doesn't happen all at once, it will reduce the life of your clutch, and we are talking about a process that takes years. So, I doubt you did any damage to your clutch, not saying that it can't happen, but it is a fluke if it did. In other words, its possible, but not probable. With water and mud in the tranny, again, possible but not probable. When off roading, water and mud can get in just about everywhere, but the design of the vehicle is such as to minimize this from happening as long as you have an idea of what you are doing off road. Just pay attention with regular fluid changes and inspect the old fluid to see what is in it.

There seems to be a lot of discussion as of late about shifting in water. Just looking at the basics of off roading when you go through water, you want to maintain constant speed, not to fast, not too slow - the old addage applies - as slow as possible as fast as necessary. The point behind maintaining constant speed is to create a wake pushing the water away from your vehicle, thereby helping to keep water out of places it shouldn't be going, to include the clutch housing. If your keeping a constant speed, there is no need to shift which makes me wonder why people keep asking about it. If you stall out, leave the clutch alone. You can probably shift into first without it and start in 4lo without the clutch. Or better yet, let someone pull you out, inspect everything, and then move on.

As for the original post. Like I said, from what you said, I doubt you did damage. The clutch will get "smoother" over time until it eventually gets so smooth that it no longer holds, and then you need a new one. In the first couple hundred miles, the clutch will break in and that will be the point where you notice the most change. When your clutch is done for, it is hard to explain, but you will know and also be able to feel it when you are not shifting. I have a feeling that what you are experiencing is paranoia associated with a new vehicle. No offense meant with that statement, it was actually supposed to make you feel better.

 

what RED said, right on the money. sorry sometimes its hard for me to explain what i need to say.