Your vehicle can make a variety of noises as you drive down the road. There’s the hum of the engine, the compressor clicking on, and more. That being said, not all automotive noises are good. One noise you might feel more than hear is a light chattering coming from between the engine and the transmission when you shift gears. That’s called clutch chatter. But is clutch chatter something you should worry about?
What Is Clutch Chatter?
You’ll feel clutch chatter as the engine rotates, just when the assembly turns, and right when the clutch disc clamps onto and releases the pressure plate and flywheel. Clutch chatter goes away after the clutch fully engages because the clutch slips until then.
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Pro Tip: Clutch chatter isn’t only found in manual transmission vehicles. On automatic transmission vehicles with a modulated torque converter clutch, a friction modifier additive is used to prevent chatter as the converter clutch is engaging. When the friction modifier breaks down in the fluid, you may feel a chatter or an odd surge as the torque converter clutch is modulating on the way to full engagement.
Does Clutch Chatter Mean the Clutch Is Failing?
The levels of clutch chatter can be subjective, and a lot depends on your driving experience. Some drivers can deal with more clutch chatter than others, and it doesn’t always mean your clutch is failing.
More to the point would be the reason the clutch is chattering. If there is an oil or grease leak that is somehow contaminating the clutch lining or flywheel and pressure plate, this will need to be addressed even as the clutch is replaced.
Factors such as having metallic clutch discs and thinner marcel springs (don’t worry about what “marcel” springs are; we’ll talk about that in a minute) can make clutch chatter more noticeable, even if the clutch itself is working perfectly. If the clutch chatter is bothering you or affecting your ability to drive, you should definitely ask a trusted mechanic to check that your clutch is in working order.
What Causes Clutch Chatter?
Clutch chatter can be caused by different factors. Some of these causes are nothing to worry about, while others may require a trip to a trusted auto shop.
Metallic Clutch Discs
Don’t be surprised if your vehicle’s metallic clutch disc is to blame for its clutch chatter. That being said, a metallic clutch disc shouldn’t produce enough chatter to affect your driving. So if you’re experiencing significant amounts of clutch chatter, it’s likely not just from the metallic clutch disc.
Bent Clutch Drive Strap
If you use the clutch incorrectly to slow your vehicle down, it’s possible to bend the clutch drive strap, which can lead to uneven clamping when it locks onto the pressure plate. If the clutch and flywheel aren’t able to clamp the disc between them evenly, it can lead to clutch chatter.
Contaminated Friction Material
If a lubricant contaminates any of the friction materials in the clutch, whether on the clutch, flywheel, or disc, it can lead to clutch chatter. This is because the lubricant can cause an uneven coefficient of friction on the materials. Lubricants like grease or oil can get on the friction materials during installation. Alternatively, if any of the engine’s seals are leaking oil, it can get on the clutch parts and cause clutch chatter.
Thin or Fatigued Marcel Spring
The marcel spring is a small wave of metal between the facings of the clutch discs. The marcel spring varies in thickness, and it changes as the clutch disk engages or compresses. If your vehicle has a particularly thin marcel spring, it’s more susceptible to clutch chatter. Likewise, if the marcel spring is old and fatigued, it can lead to clutch chatter. The same goes for the damper springs in the clutch disc hub.
Glazed Friction Surfaces
After some time, the flywheel or pressure plate friction surfaces can glaze over from the heat. This can easily cause clutch chatter, and you’ll need to resurface or replace the damaged parts as soon as possible to keep the clutch in tip-top condition.
Unevenly Clamped Brake Disc
As we’ve mentioned, anything that causes the flywheel and clutch to clamp down unevenly on the clutch disc can also cause clutch chatter. A flywheel with too much lateral runout, a warped clutch cover, and a warped disc are common causes for this uneven clamping. If any of these issues are to blame for the clutch chatter, you’ll often notice that the chatter comes from the bell housing.
Worn Suspension or Driveline Parts
If you can’t find the cause for the chatter in the clutch, you can also check the suspension or driveline. Loose or worn parts in the suspension or driveline will transmit power and torque incorrectly to the drive wheels, leading to a chatter very like clutch chatter. Check for worn or damaged joints, mounts, suspension grommets, and springs. Also check if your vehicle’s torque damper and crossmember are still in good condition. If you notice that your vehicle’s driveline angle is off or that the suspension modifications or lift kits you used aren’t in good shape anymore, it’s time to bring your vehicle in for a checkup at the shop.
Incorrect Clutch Installation
One common mistake that can lead to clutch chatter is a bad installation. When installing a clutch, it must be torqued down evenly as it sits against the flywheel, otherwise it might end up distorted. It’s also best to resurface or replace the flywheel before installing a new clutch assembly to ensure all parts are working well upon installation.
Vehicle Weight
Finally, you need to consider vehicle weight. The heavier your vehicle is, the more prevalent clutch chatter will become. If you’re experiencing minimal clutch chatter, it’s possible that loading up your vehicle will make you feel the chatter even more. Keep this in mind because it might become more than you’re comfortable handling.
Now that you’re familiar with what clutch chatter is and the factors that cause it, you can decide whether or not you need to bring your vehicle to a trusted mechanic. It’s always better to be safe than sorry though. If the clutch chatter in your vehicle is minimal but worrisome, you might as well take your vehicle in for assessment and repairs.
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