Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Noise ofter clutch installation

[TurboSandman]

I just got my truck back from installation of an South Bend 13-1. 25 Con OFE clutch and upon starting I noticed incredibly loud engine noise coming right from the shifter boot. The shop was closing and I was late for an important event and did not go right back inside like I should have. I mean, I am accustomed to the rich and full ambiance of my Cummins after driving it daily for a couple of years, but this was BODACIOUS sound; and more like Rosie O'Donell than Pamela Anderson as well.



Is there some sort of sound insulation or an inner shift boot that was left out during the clutch installation? I am going back to the shop tomorrow, but would like some idea of what I am asking for.



The clutch is great, although I have only been "driving aggressively" and "not slipping it excessively" so far. Pedal effort is noticeably less and engages close to the floor as you would expect from a new clutch. Now I can start plate sliding and ask Santa for a PDR HX-40.

 

[Kirwin]

New clutch noise

I noticed this too after I got my new clutch installed (see sig). I seems to quite down after a while. Or maybe I got used to it. Mine seemed to be worse when the truck was cold. The pedal will slowly work its way back up some. Mine is about where it was with my stock clutch now. Ken Irwin

 

[Turbo Trucker]

Yes there's a rubber boot under the console, maybe they forgot it?

 

[TurboSandman]

Yeah, I thought there must be something else under the elegant faux leather shift boot. It is so strange, the sound is coming directly from the shift boot, and that is while standing still.



The shop charged less than half what the stealer wanted and is a really nice 4X4 shop, so I can't get too bent out of shape. I guess I can handle replacing my inner boot. OOOHH, that sounds so sensitive and '90s of me; has everyone else gotten in touch with their inner boot?

 

[JGK]

TurboSandman,



I also noticed an increase in noise after my clutch was installed. Not obnoxious, just noticable. It was sometime later that I had an opportunity to ask the installer and he said nothing was left out when the transmission was put back in.



The innner boot was in place when I checked, so I ended up building and adding an insulating boot over the inner rubber one. That helped. I used a product I found locally (though I think it can be found at J. C. Whitney) that is a fiberglass mat about 1/2" thick that has reinforced silver mylar on one side. I just cut some pieces to form an over-boot and duct-taped them together.



-Jay

 

[JLinder]

Is the noise only when the truck is at an idle?



When I put in my Con OFE I have noticed the new pilot bearing creates more noise than the stock one. If I disengage the clutch, the noise stops. Just something to consider.

 

[M Barnett]

With my Con-O clutch I noticed no noises. I would call South Bend tomorrow and see what they say.

Michael

 

[Andy Redmond]

"Road noise" is likely caused by the inner boot. Usually at the factory they've been happy with the screw shooter. It's difficult to get one to reseal often.



After dodge changed the carpet in my under a rear window warranty leak, I spent a while with a rubber mallet and a block of hard wood to get to correctly reseal (silcone sealer too) against the floor pan.



I then noticed a split in the boot. I don't think they (Dodge damaged it), but they wanted to replace it when I offered to pay.



Go figure.



Your later model has a console, unlike my leather combo mounting boot for the trans case shifter and the NV 4500 shifter.



In defense of the tech, if he/she doesn't drive a diesel everyday. they may not notice the increase raod noise you describe.



I've heard good comments about S. bend. I'm sure they will take care of you.





Good luck.

Andy