Clutch Issues
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 824
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Tx.....'05 Corvette M6 LS3 Magnuson Heartbeat
Clutch Issues
I'm in 1st gear pulling out of my driveway. It stays in 1st gear until I make the turn. Usually under a slight load, I step on the clutch and brake approaching the exit gate. As the clutch disengauges, I hear and "feel" the driveshaft slapping or twisting, making a loud clunk sound. And it's not a smooth transition from a dead stop. It almost dumps into gear.
It's used with 15k miles ('05). Is it me? Or is normal.
It's used with 15k miles ('05). Is it me? Or is normal.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Northfield NJ
There was a recall on the flywheel of late 05, early 06's. You should search the forum and see if your Vin # is in that range. If it doesn't feel normal chances are it isn't. Just a thought, I'm not an expert. My car is at the dealership right now with a defective master cylinder at 3,000 miles. It was making weird noises when shifting through all the gears.
Last edited by 2BBVette; Aug 23, 2006 at 03:17 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 31
From: Central Florida
From your brief description, it seem that you lugged the engine.
How long have you been driving this particular car?
How does the clutch behave when you accelerate strongly through the gears?
A bit of light but perceptible chatter is characteristic of a very low rpm (e.g. just off-idle) clutch engagement.
Also a general point. Suggest you check the color of your clutch fluid. It is probably very nasty at 15K.
Ranger
How long have you been driving this particular car?
How does the clutch behave when you accelerate strongly through the gears?
A bit of light but perceptible chatter is characteristic of a very low rpm (e.g. just off-idle) clutch engagement.
Also a general point. Suggest you check the color of your clutch fluid. It is probably very nasty at 15K.
Ranger
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,837
Likes: 4
Depends on driving habits and familiarity; it may be worth checking up on, but this sounds fairly normal. The clutch is at the front, the transmission at the back, so there's a fairly long shaft between them which leads to some occasional clunks and thunks if you're right on the verge of lugging, or just slightly backing off when you push in the clutch. I always seem to do this when pulling up to a Starbucks drive-through or something like that where I've move the car 15 feet or so.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,565
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From: stafford country, va. Avatar: Me on turn 3 @ Bristol (The World's Fastest Half-Mile)
Originally Posted by Ranger
From your brief description, it seem that you lugged the engine.
A bit of light but perceptible chatter is characteristic of a very low rpm (e.g. just off-idle) clutch engagement.
A bit of light but perceptible chatter is characteristic of a very low rpm (e.g. just off-idle) clutch engagement.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 824
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Tx.....'05 Corvette M6 LS3 Magnuson Heartbeat
Thanks for the replys. This is my 4th Corvette, but this is my 1st '05 C6. The last 3 were all manuals & C5's (one a Z-06). So, I'm no expert, but I do love these cars, bought it used w/ 15k and is my daily driver. I don't know how the previous owner treated the car, it was a trade-in. The tires looked normal for the mileage, but who know if this guy loved to launch it off green lights. I've had few friends drive the car and each one of them have trouble taking off from a dead stop. The clutch is not slipping, but it feels like it just dumps into gear. Like the clucth slave is out of adjustment or weak. It's hard to explain. I just needed some advice before taking it into the dealership for service.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 31
From: Central Florida
Originally Posted by m_ledez
....I've had few friends drive the car and each one of them have trouble taking off from a dead stop. The clutch is not slipping, but it feels like it just dumps into gear. Like the clucth slave is out of adjustment or weak. It's hard to explain. I just needed some advice before taking it into the dealership for service.
With that in mind, here are three clutch fluid issue threads to review:
Clutch Pedal Woes--Fluid Impact
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid--the Chevy Spec
Clutch Pedal Woes--Fluid Changing Kit
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 824
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Tx.....'05 Corvette M6 LS3 Magnuson Heartbeat
You nailed it Ranger! I check my clutch slave fluid (what was left of it). It was actually below the minimum line! I removed the old fliud & top it off with new super DOT 3 brake fluid. I could feel the difference from the moment I backed out of the driveway. Looks like one problem down. Thanks much!
I'll have to keep an eye on the fluid level in case I have a slow leak in the clutch slave.
I'll have to keep an eye on the fluid level in case I have a slow leak in the clutch slave.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 31
From: Central Florida
Good that you identified the issue.
You can accelerate the clean up of the fluid by
(1) changing the fluid in the reservoir
(2) pump the clutch pedal ten times
(3) if the fluid is not clear, start again at (1)
(4) repeat until the fluid remain clear
The reservoir holds about 3 ounces. The overall hydraulics hold about 16 ounces. So if the fluid in the reservoir was seriously nasty, you'll need to do multiple changes to get it clear.
Ranger
You can accelerate the clean up of the fluid by
(1) changing the fluid in the reservoir
(2) pump the clutch pedal ten times
(3) if the fluid is not clear, start again at (1)
(4) repeat until the fluid remain clear
The reservoir holds about 3 ounces. The overall hydraulics hold about 16 ounces. So if the fluid in the reservoir was seriously nasty, you'll need to do multiple changes to get it clear.
Ranger
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,635
Likes: 0
From: Fallston Maryland
I have found there is a sweet spot for clutch use in the C6 and in my previous CtsV.The V was much more difficult to find and perfect.I think the Gm clutches grab quicker than others.
My SRT10 behaves much differently.There is more pedal travel for the engagement and can easily be a smooth engagement.
Rangers prescription is a major plus.I have been using Motul 600 for the clutch and it has remained much cleaner than the factory fluid.
My SRT10 behaves much differently.There is more pedal travel for the engagement and can easily be a smooth engagement.
Rangers prescription is a major plus.I have been using Motul 600 for the clutch and it has remained much cleaner than the factory fluid.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 824
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Tx.....'05 Corvette M6 LS3 Magnuson Heartbeat
Will do, I figured it would take several change outs to keep it clear, but I'll follow your procedure to speed up the process. Ranger, your name came up on the C6 General Forum talking about "can't keep clutch fluid clear" . One of the reply states "the C6 uses DOT 4", is that true? I thought I read in my manual, refill with GM clutch hydraulic fluid or with DOT 3 brake fluid.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 31
From: Central Florida
Originally Posted by m_ledez
...One of the reply states "the C6 uses DOT 4", is that true? I thought I read in my manual, refill with GM clutch hydraulic fluid or with DOT 3 brake fluid.
The manual for the 2006 C6 specified, "Hydraulic Clutch Fluid. Use only GM Part No. 88958860....Super DOT-4 brake fluid."
DOT3 and DOT4 are generally compatible. Check the label on the cans if you plan to mix them in your clutch hydraulics. I have mixed the Chevy DOT4 and Prestone DOT4 Synthelic without any issue.
Ranger