Clutch judder

[ronnie]

Hi , I done a fair run today and when I left all was well but after a good run the clutch started to judder on take off. Also noticed it was much worse in reverse !!! Any ideas oil in clutch perhaps

[mike.perry]

Check the engine stabilizer bar, prop shaft UJ and bolts.
How many miles on the clutch?

[ronnie]

Hi mike , the clock shows 36000 !!!! Cars in excellent body condition but probably done more . Seems worse in reverse does that point to anything in particular there is a bit of an oil leak looks like from the bell housing that's why I thought oil in clutch . Not bad eneogh yet to justify removing engine but will check the points you made

[bmcecosse]

Could be - is the oil coming out from the jiggle pin?

[ronnie]

Jiggle pin ???? Got me there roy , I've always had a little leak from between the bell housing and engine back plate but this judder has just started today

[bmcecosse]

Look under - there's a small hole in the base of the bellhousing -with the 'jiggle pin' in it - if oil runs out there it's due to rear main bearing leak. But judder has many causes - steady bar for one - is it there ? Not broken away from the bulkhead?

[ronnie]

No im sure the oil is more coming from the back of the sump .If the stay bar you mean is the one at the top rear then it's ok so goin to check the prop tomorrow

[IslipMinor]

Ronnie,

Also check the steady cable from the back of the gearbox to the crossmember. If this has broken, or is loose, that can cause clutch judder, especially in reverse. Like the tie rod from the head to the bulkhead, it is adjusted to be 'neutral', i,e, it is not loose, but neither is it tightened either. It should just hold the gearbox from moving forward, but not be pulling it back at all.

[bmcecosse]

Loose rear axle/worn rear spring bushes don't help either. I think it's much less of a problem (as is axle tramp) if you fit the 7 leaf Traveller springs.