Is my clutch going out???

[MillerR]

What are some symptoms of a clutch going out? My '03 2500, when under a load, has started doing this jerking, or lurching (not sure exactly how to explain it). It kinda' lunges like you're pumping the throttle, but you're not. I was pulling a heavy horse trailer from a stop, up a pretty steep driveway. I stopped, put it in 4WD and that seemed to stop it. It's happened on a few occasions on flat ground also. Seems to be less noticeable after it has warmed up. I'm on my 2nd clutch (1st after original). It was put in at 119k and I'm at 190k now. I know it's completely relative to it's use, but what is a ball-park mileage for a clutch? I have been towing a lot more on this second one, so that could explain it's 70k miles compared to the first 119k. Is this lurching/jerking/lunging a tell tale symptom of a clutch going out? Thank you for your expert and not so expert opinions... -Trey

 

[RVTRKN]

If the clutch was loosing grip, it would slip and your RPM's would go way up. The jerking might be the throwout bearing sticking, but that is only when your engaging and disengaging the clutch. You can be causing the issues using 4X4 on a dry hard surface.

 

[NIsaacs]

Like RV said, if the clutch was slipping you would know it and yes failure would be soon. However, grabbing under load can be caused from several things. It might be the clutch disk torque springs getting loose, hot spots on your flywheel/pressure plate or clutch facing with oil or grease on it. It could also be a bad center bearing, u-joints, spring shackles/bushings, loose u-bolts on the axle, bad motor mount or broken frame. What is the clutch description/brand/type? Some disk material is worse than others, and not unusual to grab sometimes launching a heavy load.

Nick

 

[Doubleclutch]

Since you have some added fuel and a heavy load, I'll agree that it's probably your clutch. Talk to Peter at Southbend Clutch for the best diagnostics. He has seen them all, and sells the best.
Greg

 

[RVTRKN]

I agree, talk to South Bend, they are great about answering questions. If you think your clutch is slipping, jump on the throttle, it should start to slip if it's weak. That's how my DMF clutch failed, so I went with a SMF from SB and glad I did. To ask how long they last, my brother bought my 04.5 and has 130K on the original clutch after I put 70K on it. My POS 07 G56 stock DMF & clutch didn't make it 35K.

 

[MillerR]

If the clutch was loosing grip, it would slip and your RPM's would go way up. The jerking might be the throwout bearing sticking, but that is only when your engaging and disengaging the clutch. You can be causing the issues using 4X4 on a dry hard surface.

I wasn't using 4x4 when it was happening. I used 4x4 for a little extra grip and it actually made the jerking go away. Maybe the throw-out bearing... Only seem to notice it when I have a heavy load.

 

[MillerR]

Like RV said, if the clutch was slipping you would know it and yes failure would be soon. However, grabbing under load can be caused from several things. It might be the clutch disk torque springs getting loose, hot spots on your flywheel/pressure plate or clutch facing with oil or grease on it. It could also be a bad center bearing, u-joints, spring shackles/bushings, loose u-bolts on the axle, bad motor mount or broken frame. What is the clutch description/brand/type? Some disk material is worse than others, and not unusual to grab sometimes launching a heavy load.

Nick

LOL, well there's a shot-gun full of ideas, but thank you. Not sure of the brand name on the clutch. I had a shop put it in and that's been quite a while ago now. I'll take a look at the drive-line... The carrier/center bearing was just replaced last summer (however, that was before I started noticing this lunging).

 

[MillerR]

Since you have some added fuel and a heavy load, I'll agree that it's probably your clutch. Talk to Peter at Southbend Clutch for the best diagnostics. He has seen them all, and sells the best.
Greg

Added fuel??? If by this, you're referring to my FASS system... I just put that on this past week. I first noticed the jerking issue back in September and a couple times since then. I'll give Southbend Clutch a call. Thanks, Trey

 

[MillerR]

I agree, talk to South Bend, they are great about answering questions. If you think your clutch is slipping, jump on the throttle, it should start to slip if it's weak. That's how my DMF clutch failed, so I went with a SMF from SB and glad I did. To ask how long they last, my brother bought my 04.5 and has 130K on the original clutch after I put 70K on it. My POS 07 G56 stock DMF & clutch didn't make it 35K.

I haven't really noticed any slipping. I've tried the acceleration on an incline trick and it seems to hold normal. I'll look into a couple of these other suggested trouble spots and inquire with Southbend... Thank you, Trey

 

[B.G. Smith]

Try running with the juice disconnected? bg

 

[NIsaacs]

Added fuel??? If by this, you're referring to my FASS system... Thanks, Trey

We are talking about your Edge Juice.

Nick

 

[MillerR]

Try running with the juice disconnected? bg

Are you thinking the Edge Juice is having faults? I've been running with this for many years without any issues, but I can try turning it off next time I pull...