Clutch problems / dilemma

P71 · 04-18-2009, 11:03 PM

So I installed a new Zoom MU-Series OEM clutch in the RX-7 last August. It's been autocrossing a bunch but only drag raced for 5 or 6 passes. It has maybe 4,000 miles on it total. Tonight the clutch pedal wouldn't release at the strip so I coasted and by the return road it was fine again. However now the clutch chatters like crazy on a dead-stop start, but doesn't make any noise once moving. It drove the 50 miles home A-OK and goes around the block stop/starting just fine (except the noises). It also smells faintly of burning clutch.

I called Summit (who I bought it from) who informed me they only have a 90-day warranty. Suck! Should I pull it and see what happened or??? I've broken plenty of clutches and it honestly feels like it literally just fell apart (shoddy materials/workmanship). I know it's seen "hard use" being in a sports car and autocrossed, but it still shouldn't just fall apart.

Any ideas? Suggestions for a better replacement?

Freaking autocross tomorrow too!

josh18_2k · 04-19-2009, 12:02 AM

thats hella gay
i say pull the clutch asap and have a looksie. you should be just fine with a Luk or whatever. thats what i'm rockin

Boostmaniac · 04-19-2009, 06:20 AM

almost sounds like you have some bent forks on your pressure plate.

P71 · 04-19-2009, 07:15 AM

It's so crappy Josh! I was seriously looking forward to rocking the 7 today and kicking some Boxter butt. I'm still thinking of taking the cop car...

Whizbang · 04-21-2009, 11:29 PM

had a similar issue with the throw out bearing being FUBAR

orion84gsl · 07-20-2009, 07:34 AM

Wow, I know this thread is getting up there in age, but this is EXACTLY what just happened to my 4 month old stock replacement. I went to an autocross yesterday and on my last run I went to downshift into first and the pedal just sat on the floor. Brought the car to a stop and stomped the pedal a couple times and it popped back up. Clutch grinds on take off and stinks like crazy but she shifts and drives fine once rolling. I'm glad I found this thread because the grind only on takeoff had me concerned it wasn't the clutch disc and I don't have time to drop the trans and find out it's something else.

orion84gsl · 07-21-2009, 07:47 PM

Well just finished changing out my clutch with an ACT 6-puck and the stocker came out just like yours, in two pieces. The flywheel side had seperated from the disc, and was also cracked in two places. Hopefully the ACT will hold up better.

04-18-2009, 11:03 PM	#1
P71 RCC Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: WA State iTrader: (1) Posts: 651 Rep Power: 17	Clutch problems / dilemma So I installed a new Zoom MU-Series OEM clutch in the RX-7 last August. It's been autocrossing a bunch but only drag raced for 5 or 6 passes. It has maybe 4,000 miles on it total. Tonight the clutch pedal wouldn't release at the strip so I coasted and by the return road it was fine again. However now the clutch chatters like crazy on a dead-stop start, but doesn't make any noise once moving. It drove the 50 miles home A-OK and goes around the block stop/starting just fine (except the noises). It also smells faintly of burning clutch. I called Summit (who I bought it from) who informed me they only have a 90-day warranty. Suck! Should I pull it and see what happened or??? I've broken plenty of clutches and it honestly feels like it literally just fell apart (shoddy materials/workmanship). I know it's seen "hard use" being in a sports car and autocrossed, but it still shouldn't just fall apart. Any ideas? Suggestions for a better replacement? Freaking autocross tomorrow too! __________________ Michael Pinto 2008 PDXCGP Drag Racing Season Champion 83 RX-7 GSL; 12A/5-Speed, Red/Red; 100% Stock - 16.072@83.39 01 CV Police Interceptor; 4.6 SOHC V8/4R70W, Dk Blue/Grey; K&N FIPK/RP Oil/Optima/Superchips/Flowmaster 40's/2.5" cat-back - 14.854@92.37 Read my Rx-7 Build Thread! http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...ed=1#post70955 Get on the new RCC 1/4 Mile ET List! http://www.rotarycarclub.com/rotary_...read.php?t=368 Vote for the ROTM! http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...play.php?f=125

04-19-2009, 12:02 AM	#2
josh18_2k Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gresham, OR iTrader: (0) Posts: 473 Rep Power: 17	thats hella gay i say pull the clutch asap and have a looksie. you should be just fine with a Luk or whatever. thats what i'm rockin __________________

04-19-2009, 07:15 AM	#4
P71 RCC Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: WA State iTrader: (1) Posts: 651 Rep Power: 17	It's so crappy Josh! I was seriously looking forward to rocking the 7 today and kicking some Boxter butt. I'm still thinking of taking the cop car... __________________ Michael Pinto 2008 PDXCGP Drag Racing Season Champion 83 RX-7 GSL; 12A/5-Speed, Red/Red; 100% Stock - 16.072@83.39 01 CV Police Interceptor; 4.6 SOHC V8/4R70W, Dk Blue/Grey; K&N FIPK/RP Oil/Optima/Superchips/Flowmaster 40's/2.5" cat-back - 14.854@92.37 Read my Rx-7 Build Thread! http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...ed=1#post70955 Get on the new RCC 1/4 Mile ET List! http://www.rotarycarclub.com/rotary_...read.php?t=368 Vote for the ROTM! http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...play.php?f=125

04-21-2009, 11:29 PM	#5
Whizbang Respecognize! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Δx = ħ/2Δp iTrader: (5) Posts: 3,190 Rep Power: 20	had a similar issue with the throw out bearing being FUBAR __________________ For current updates and event coverage check out Follow on Twitter! @WhizbangRally Whizbang Rally's Webpage \| Facebook

04-19-2009, 06:20 AM	#3
Boostmaniac Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0) Posts: 182 Rep Power: 0	almost sounds like you have some bent forks on your pressure plate.

07-20-2009, 07:34 AM	#6
orion84gsl Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0) Posts: 167 Rep Power: 17	Wow, I know this thread is getting up there in age, but this is EXACTLY what just happened to my 4 month old stock replacement. I went to an autocross yesterday and on my last run I went to downshift into first and the pedal just sat on the floor. Brought the car to a stop and stomped the pedal a couple times and it popped back up. Clutch grinds on take off and stinks like crazy but she shifts and drives fine once rolling. I'm glad I found this thread because the grind only on takeoff had me concerned it wasn't the clutch disc and I don't have time to drop the trans and find out it's something else.

07-21-2009, 07:47 PM	#7
orion84gsl Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0) Posts: 167 Rep Power: 17	Well just finished changing out my clutch with an ACT 6-puck and the stocker came out just like yours, in two pieces. The flywheel side had seperated from the disc, and was also cracked in two places. Hopefully the ACT will hold up better.