Rep Power: 0

I'm trying to learn about a problem before I commit to a repair. My clutch produces a sort of stutter when I start out in 1st gear. The problem occurs after I've been driving in stop and go traffic for awhile (not a very long time, though.) It's especially bad starting off on an incline - the car will shake a little bit. Giving it more gas helps; on an incline I really have to goose it.

A local recommended repair place (associated with a gas station) told me something about "hot spots" - maybe on the flywheel (I forget). Their solution is to put in a "clutch package" that includes a flywheel. Another recommended place (repair-only) also recommended a package but said I might not need a flywheel.

Here's some history: 25,000 miles and four years ago part of a transmission bearing was found while having the oil, or some other fluids, changed at my dealer. At that time, I took the car to a transmission specialist and they replaced the bearings, etc. The reason I mention this is the invoice says they also did a "Replace clutch assembly with new" for $198. I mention this in case it's relevant. (Total mileage on the Civic is 88,000)

Could someone explain to me the mechanics of the problem? Any suggestions on a repair strategy would be appreciated.

 
Rep Power: 511

My first instinct was clutch chatter. You can always get the flywheel resurfaced. Kinda like a brake rotor resurfacing since they kinda act similarly; one surface with a compound designed to wear out (brake pad and clutch) designed to cause one rotating surface (brake rotor and flywheel) to "meet the speed" of the other. Brake pad mating with brake rotor causes the rotor to come to rest whereas the clutch disc mating with the flywheel causes the transmission and engine to match revolution speed. Much like when your brake rotors start to shake under use due to rotor warpage, a flywheel can do the same. At least in my understanding. I could be completely wrong, but the logic was sound when I learned it and committed it to memory. lol

 
Rep Power: 367

^^ yep, sounds like clutch chatter

at 198 bucks, i suppose it did not include a flywheel. (it's not common to change flywheel, mind you, so they were OK)
My 01 miata is famous for having it. The design of the miata does make the clutch heat up and cause very small distortions that cause the chatter.

not sure why yours do it, though, the civics do not usually have that problem.

if you remove to surface it, might as well change the clutch again...

 
Rep Power: 0

Thank you! I have a very important follow up question. The two repair places gave me quotes in the $1,600 range to address the problem with an installation of everything in a clutch kit.

Do you think a good, less expensive strategy would be to find a place that would just resurface the flywheel - a minimalist approach? Is this even possible?

 
Rep Power: 222

The cost to get the flywheel resurfaced is going to be that $1600 minus the $140 for the clutch kit. Plus the machining cost.

Unless you plan on doing all the labour yourself and you're going to bring them the flywheel.

 
Rep Power: 367

Yeah, to change clutch, you need to separate the engine and transmission. The price seen fair, quite involved job.

 
Rep Power: 511

Man, I got quoted at $450 for a clutch swap at a granny shop. But then again, I was supplying the clutch and they were only swapping the clutch

Said screw it and did it myself. It was a huge pain in the ***.

 
Rep Power: 119

I can understand replacing the clutch since it was all pulled apart anyways.

My guess would be that they used the cheapest clutch kit they could find and those are not long lasting parts.

 
Rep Power: 0

OK! Looks like I’ll have to follow up with one of the two estimates, if I keep the car. I’m no do-it-yourselfer. At least it’s not mysterious anymore.

 
Rep Power: 367

see if you can ask for a lower price, now that xriceboix gave you a price (but it will depend on where you are, etc.