Questions and Answers

Dodge Neon Clutch Chatter Q. Dear Mr. Ciulla,I have a 1998 Dodge Neon Sport, 2.0 liter DOHC, assembled in the USA, P/S, cruise, A/C, 96,000 kilometers and 5-speed manual transmission. The car was bought in the spring of 2002. Ever since the weather got colder, less than -5°C (23°F), the transmission develops a chattering noise after the first 10 seconds of startup.

The noise can last up to two minutes depending on the temperature outside. The noise seems to come from the far left side of the transmission, but because the problem only lasts for a few minutes its very hard to locate. If the clutch pedal is pressed the noise goes away.

The noise can even remain after the car is put in motion so long as the clutch pedal is released. The garage replaced the clutch assembly (drive plate, flywheel, thrust bearing etc.) and the problem persists.

The transmission shop replaced the support bearings on the input shaft of the transmission and the problem persists. The transmission repair guy is just as frustrated as I am because he can't spot any scoring or wear or anything out of the ordinary. Currently the transmission is disassembled at the shop. The oil used is factory oil specified by the dealership. Mr, Ciulla please help!

Martin,
London, Ontario, Canada

A. This is difficult without actually hearing the noise, but between your regular garage and the transmission shop, you have done everything to eliminate the causes of a clutch chatter. At this point I would have the transmission shop put the transmission back together and along with a new clutch disc, pressure plate, throw out and pilot bearing, re-install it in the car.

On the transmission input shaft, use just enough grease to lubricate the splines, but not enough to fly off when it is turning. I would also recommend resurfacing the flywheel as well. If it was done, have it done again at a different machine shop.

If the chatter is still there then I would recommend having the engine checked since it is possible to be an engine problem as well. If the engine checks out okay, then a trip to the dealer would be the next step and get the Chrysler Technician Support System in on this. Someone, somewhere must have had this same problem and the Technician Support System will have it, and the solution, on record.