[Z06] clutch issue?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 105
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From: San Francisco CA
clutch issue?
I have recently noticed that after a quick trip through the gears under WOT, the cluth pedal is not rebounding fully. I notice this when I downchange after the accelaration. After a couple of normal gear changes under normal driving, the pedal goes back to normal operation. The clutch is working fine, it has never slipped, and I have never had any issues finding gears. I thought I recalled something like this being discussed on the forum a while back, but could not find anything in the archives. Has anyone experienced this?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,471
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From: Pensacola FL
I had this problem continually on my 01 Z. We bled the entire system, and it didn't help. Mine had some miles on it, but yours probably doesn't. Mine never slipped either, and under nromal conditions, worked fine. I did a lot of research on this forum and on Z06 forum. The best way to fix this is to replace the entire clutch assembly and the master/slave. Mine has worked perfect since was done. Drives like a new car and has not stuck to the floor once. There is a service bulletin on this. If yours is under warranty, I'd make them fix it. SCOTT
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,937
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From: Orange County California
Originally Posted by cactusZ06
I have recently noticed that after a quick trip through the gears under WOT, the cluth pedal is not rebounding fully. I notice this when I downchange after the accelaration. After a couple of normal gear changes under normal driving, the pedal goes back to normal operation. The clutch is working fine, it has never slipped, and I have never had any issues finding gears. I thought I recalled something like this being discussed on the forum a while back, but could not find anything in the archives. Has anyone experienced this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Winchester TN
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
Originally Posted by 99 The Hard Way
I had this problem continually on my 01 Z. <...snip...>There is a service bulletin on this. If yours is under warranty, I'd make them fix it. SCOTT
Can you provide any links to this service bulletin (google searches have proven fruitless) -
I have the same issue with my 32k miles 02 Z06. Since warranty is rapidly running out, I would like to address this issue with my dealer, and some form of evidence of the SB or TSB would be of great help.
[edit]
I found this info - but nothing else so far...
Make: CHEVROLET
Model: CORVETTE
Year: 2002
Service Bulletin Number: 051602
NHTSA Item Number: 636688
Summary Description:
COMPLAINTS OF THE CLUTCH PEDAL NOT RETURNING WHEN DEPRESSED. *TT
[/edit]
thanks and Best Regards -
mqqn
Last edited by mqqn; Sep 9, 2004 at 11:29 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 2
From: IL
This issue is most likely not going to be under warranty.
I have had this issue with every vette I've had. I have found that you can replace the slave cylinder and that should fix it, But What I have done in the last 2, I have just upgraded to a heavier duty clutch and this has solved the problem. You might as well spend a few dollars more get a better clutch such as a Spec, and fix your problem and have better clutch feel.
I have had this issue with every vette I've had. I have found that you can replace the slave cylinder and that should fix it, But What I have done in the last 2, I have just upgraded to a heavier duty clutch and this has solved the problem. You might as well spend a few dollars more get a better clutch such as a Spec, and fix your problem and have better clutch feel.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,788
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From: Winchester TN
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
Originally Posted by 3XBlack6spd
This issue is most likely not going to be under warranty.
I have had this issue with every vette I've had. I have found that you can replace the slave cylinder and that should fix it, But What I have done in the last 2, I have just upgraded to a heavier duty clutch and this has solved the problem. You might as well spend a few dollars more get a better clutch such as a Spec, and fix your problem and have better clutch feel.
I have had this issue with every vette I've had. I have found that you can replace the slave cylinder and that should fix it, But What I have done in the last 2, I have just upgraded to a heavier duty clutch and this has solved the problem. You might as well spend a few dollars more get a better clutch such as a Spec, and fix your problem and have better clutch feel.
I appreciate the feedback - thanks.
I am going to pursue this further, however, as my car is still under warranty and it is still relatively stock (just an air box and computer tune).
It is my opinion that I should not have to upgrade the clutch on a stock $47k automobile just to make it operate as it was intended from the start.
Now, when and if I go to a superhuffer, such as I see you have (
) I will go to a heavier clutch for sure... 
I do appreciate your response though - thanks again.
best regards -
mqqn
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
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I had this problem when shifting "under a load". That is the way you should describe it to your dealer. And if you have a cool dealer, they will replace your clutch and the hydraulic components.
In my case, I told them I didn't want to be back in a month for a 3rd clutch, master, slave. So I bought the Cartek clutch KIT and had the dealer do the install under warranty. I only paid a little extra because I had full length headers.
In my case, I told them I didn't want to be back in a month for a 3rd clutch, master, slave. So I bought the Cartek clutch KIT and had the dealer do the install under warranty. I only paid a little extra because I had full length headers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Hillsborough NJ
Originally Posted by 3XBlack6spd
i agree about the shouldn't have to replace it to make it work like it should, but it's sad but true. Anyway...good luck anything I can do to help just let me know.
I got my Z new in June of '03. By August of '03, I had determined that the stock clutch was the weakest link in the Z06. How GM could build a 405 bhp car and not put a clutch in that is up to the task of handling this power is beyond me. And trust me, I was not "beating" on my car to determine this weakness.
Now that I've added more power to the car and have gone down the 1/4 mile a few times, the weakness has become even more apparent. As others have done, I'll bite the bullet and and put a much stronger clutch in at my own expense rather than have GM replace it with the same old BS clutch and just go through the same aggrevation. BTW, my car has 13K miles on it, and other than the few times down the strip, it does not get driven hard.
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 2
From: IL
I agree, and regardless if your clutch is sticking yet or not, you will not be dissapointed if you put a better one in. After putting my race clutch in there is a world of difference. Shifts are faster and crisper, and out of the hole this thing grabs like a bat out of hell!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 14,697
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From: Sioux Falls SD
Originally Posted by 3XBlack6spd
I agree, and regardless if your clutch is sticking yet or not, you will not be dissapointed if you put a better one in. After putting my race clutch in there is a world of difference. Shifts are faster and crisper, and out of the hole this thing grabs like a bat out of hell!
shoulda did one when i had car tore apart for install of 3.90's DOH!
Advanced
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 81
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From: Fountain Valley CA
Clutch Don't come back
I had the same problem. It is old news for GM. They have a fix for it. A new master & slave cyl, flywheel, clutch and pressure plate. Mine was done under warranty. The old disk showed no signs of wear after 26,000 miles. There is a GM kit for the fix
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From: Winchester TN
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
Thanks for the additional info folks -
I will be going to the dealer next week one evening...telling tales of shifting under load...
thanks again -
best regards -
mqqn
I will be going to the dealer next week one evening...telling tales of shifting under load...
thanks again -
best regards -
mqqn
