Clutch Problems

[JMVincent]

I have a 2004 6 speed manual transmission and pull a 31 foot 5th wheel. After about 5,000 miles, I started noticing that the clutch would chatter when I tried to back up with the 5th wheel attached; this was particularly evident if I was backing up a slight incline. Dodge finally replaced the clutch under warranty at 9,000 miles, but now the problem is no better and may actually be worse than before they changed the clutch.



Has anybody else had similiar problems with their clutches? Any ideas what could be causing this problem? (The Dodge mechanic told me if the clutch didn't also chatter in first gear[it doesn't], that it wasn't the clutch?



Thanks for any suggestions. JMVincent

 

[rbattelle]

Could it actually be a problem with the rear differential? Did you follow the break in procedure from the owner's manual?

 

[Big_H316]

My '03 with 143,000 miles has never had a clutch problem, only u-joint issues. I have a 53' car-hauler that at certain times backing up a slight incline will have a slight shudder to it, but if I add just the right amount of the stupid foot with the clutch pedal the problem is non-existent.

 

[JRensel]

I had both a noisy clutch and probably gear lash in the 6 speed. Compared to my buddy's, it was truely noisy. DC replaced the clutch with a supposedly newer (but same part number) disk which helped, and I put amsoil in the transmission which also helped, quite a bit. Still some take off noise and chatter if it gets close to lugging, but tolerable now. The transmission also shifts much easier when cold and seems smoother overall.



One way to tell if its the transmission is to listen in 5th gear, if it makes noise in all the other gears except 5th (direct drive) then it is gear lash. Or so I have been told.



Good luck,



Jack

 

[mattymac]

If you back up fairly straight you can try putting it in low range (if you have a 4x4) Its a little slower obviously but it helps with the clutch chatter.

 

[jelag]

I've seen several of these trucks with a chatter and own an 01 dually that does it... on the 04 and 05 that I own I bought the 4:10 ratio..... I feel that once you glaze the organic friction your done until you replace the disc..... we actually have a powder used to deglaze brake shoes... you simply put a tablespoon in the brake drum and let it go... .



I think the reverse ratio is too high and to back up you have to slip the clutch and glaze it over with a load... . Big H316 I tip my hat to you... you've learned the secret to keeping it working when you back up with a load.....



Simply put the answer I suggest is either Kevlar facing which works for stock HP and ceramic or Feramic if you turned the HP up..... the Kevlar is very forgiving and allows the slipping,,, the ceramic or feramic is not. . and this clutch locks up... and you can't slip it... .



Just my thoughts on this... .



Jim