Can anyone explain how clutch judder in first gear could be linked to the aircon being on? My Stilo 1.4 exhibits this phenomenon, when normally the clutch is very smooth in operation. Some time ago some antifreeze got into the clutch housing when I was changing the thermostat but as far as I know this burned off quickly with no lasting effects.
Technical Strange coincidence - aircon and clutch judder
- Thread starter jim cooper
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Technical Strange coincidence - aircon and clutch judder
HAZY STILO
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I had a similar issue with the judder and I found that the lambda sensors needed changing as they weren’t reading correctly. Changed then and the judder stopped. Not sure with the air on though but might be something to look into as it was a cheap fix for me and didn’t need to take it to a garage either
If the a/c is on, there will be a marginally heavier load on the engine... so the clutch take-up might be not quite as smooth.
If it judders more and more often then it could be any or all of a host of issues (none particularly severe in themselves/depending on how much it bothers you);
Clutch plate getting worn;
Clutch plate contaminated;
Gearbox or lower engine mount(s) worn;
Inner CV joint spiders worn;
Sometimes the clutch itself can be a bit moody, even when new. Borg&Beck are supposed to be a bit "grabby" for example.
Stilo-era Fiats are likely have a Borg&Beck clutch, if yours is still the factory original one. Valeo and Luk are supposed to be marginally smoother, although my experience of all three in different cars says "engine/gearbox mounts and CV's make the biggest difference".
Ralf S.
If it judders more and more often then it could be any or all of a host of issues (none particularly severe in themselves/depending on how much it bothers you);
Clutch plate getting worn;
Clutch plate contaminated;
Gearbox or lower engine mount(s) worn;
Inner CV joint spiders worn;
Sometimes the clutch itself can be a bit moody, even when new. Borg&Beck are supposed to be a bit "grabby" for example.
Stilo-era Fiats are likely have a Borg&Beck clutch, if yours is still the factory original one. Valeo and Luk are supposed to be marginally smoother, although my experience of all three in different cars says "engine/gearbox mounts and CV's make the biggest difference".
Ralf S.
Thanks for this Ralf. Clutch is behaving perfectly at present provided aircon is off. Last year some antifreeze got into the housing from the thermostat area and caused immediate juddering until it was burnt off. The clutch has had a pretty easy life, even though it's done 100,000 miles (it's the original). I never come down through the gears when slowing from speed - just chuck it into neutral and apply brakes.
Wifes stilo juddered like a bugger unless asr was turned off so she used to turn off the asr, then one day at a roundabout the release bearing went straight trough the pressure plate - fingers worn away completely
No judder, asr on or off with new clutch. Might be worth having a look in the bell housing.
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