TJ Clutch Help...

[ware82]

OK, this is the weirdest thing. I got a 97 TJ, 2.5L. I was driving it to the store today, and all the sudden, when ever I push in the clutch, my jeep starts to squeel very badly. Sounds just like a loose fan belt does when it squeels. But only when the clutch is pressed in. I then put it in gear, and the jeep shakes like the engine is about to die. THe clutch has resistence in the pedal. THe jeep runs and sounds great until the clutch is pressed in then it squeels, then once it goes into gear, it shakes like it is going to die.

I lifted the hood thinking it was a stuck fan belt, but it's not, and there is nothing underthere that it looks to be (that is obvious).

Any suggestions?

[nblehm]

throw out bearing


do you by chance drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal?

[ware82]

No, I do not drive with my foot on the pedal. what is the throwout bearing and how easy it is to be replaced.

[zeede]

Originally Posted by nblehm

throw out bearing

Either that or pilot bearing... that would be my guess.

The throwout bearing sits on the input shaft for the transmission... you push the clutch pedal in, it pushes a ram, which pushes a bar, which pushes the throwout bearing up against the clutch, engaging the clutch.

The pilot bearing is inside the engine block and guides the tip of the input shaft into the right position.

Either one is either a PITA to replace if you don't know how to drop a transmission, or a relatively easy fix if you can drop/reinstall a tranny. My guess is that if you have to ask what it is, you fall into the PITA category

[nblehm]

the pilot would be screamin all the time though... push the clutch in and the throw out bearing starts freaking out

[ware82]

Dang it... THat is the last thing I need is a 700.00 fix problem..

Just one thing after another........

[Krazy]

well a clutch kit shouldn't really cost more than $200 and you really should be able to do it yourself even if you do lack mechanical ability....it's really not that hard

[ware82]

Well if you have to drop the tranny, and what not, then I am doubting I can do that, nor I am not sure if i have the tools for it.!

Does anyone know of a good article of how to replace a throw out bearing?

[Krazy]

Tools needed:
a halfway decent socket set
PB blaster for the skidplate bolts
a floor jack
and i think theres an external torx or two on the top of the bellhousing that you may be able to get at with a 12 point socket
a strong friend
line wrench for the hydrolic line (if needed)


well, here it goes
1) chock tires
2) drop skid with transmission supported
3) unbolt driveshafts
4) disconnect transfercase and stock shifter
4a) this step is optional, remove transfercase
5) disconnect cps wire from harness (this is the 3 wire thing that connects to the 10 o'clock position on the bellhousing; along with any other wires you may come across that are connected to the tranny/transfercase
6) unbolt starter, inspection plate
7) disconnect slave cyl hydro line (if internal)
8) unbolt transmission from engine
9) drop transmission (carefully...mainly to avoid injury)
10) replace throwout bearing; change clutch at same time if it's old
11) repeat in reverse, and remember to bleed clutch slave cyl (if internal)


Edit, if i missed anything, somebody please chime in

[zeede]

Originally Posted by Krazy

Tools needed:
line wrench for the hydrolic line

I didn't need one of these the 5 or 6 times I've dropped my tranny

Originally Posted by Krazy

4a) this step is optional, remove transfercase

I would skip this option and just drop the t-case and tranny as one unit.

Originally Posted by Krazy

7) disconnect slave cyl hydro line
...
11) repeat in reverse, and remember to bleed clutch slave cyl

On a TJ it's an external slave on the driver's side... two 10mm bolts hold it on... popping those bolts off and leaving 'em attached to the hydraulic line's a lot easier. No need to "bleed" that way. And I say "bleed" in quotes 'cos on a TJ it's a self-bleeding clutch, so all you do is open the master, pump the pedal 'til you think your leg's gonna fall off, and then top off the fluid.

[Krazy]

like i said, i wouldn't know i thought the newer ones had internal slaves i've only messed with externals