South Bend clutch chatter

[Kevin 007]

Recently installed a SB-1944 in an idi with a SF-5, with a new flywheel. I've installed several idi clutches over the years, usually Luk products. Never had a clutch related or installation issue until this South Bend

It's got quite the chatter when initial engagement is made from a stop. Eg...taking off in 1st or reverse. The engine and trans mounts are fine, along with suspension, its definitely clutch related. The whole truck will shake. After the clutch is fully engaged, no issues at all. No pilot or throw-out bearing noises. Shift excellent.
There's now about 5000 miles on it. I thought the chatter might go away after the clutch wore in a bit, but it hasn't.

Is this typical with a South Bend 1944? As mentioned, the flywheel is new, so warpage wouldn't be an issue. It was aligned with a proper alignment tool during install. And it's chattered since day one.

 

[Jesus Freak]

I sold a lawn mower to a guy on Saturday that had a relatively new diesel dodge and before he got in his truck he tells me that im to disregard his noisy clutch..... he said that everyone thinks something is wrong with it and has something to say but its supposed to make the noise. I had no idea what he was talking about or why he was even giving me the information, I just smiled and said "got it"...... im almost certain he said it was a South Bend, but it was so weird that he said this that my brain has dumped all other information....... but sure nuff as he was coming out on the clutch to back up his trailer and then going forward it sound like a bunch of tin cans being tumbled around...... i wish I could remember specifically what he said but out conversation had only been about lawnmowers and then he tells me before he gets in his truck that his clutch is supposed to make noise.......idk, maybe this is useful information.....

 

[Nero]

I have used south bends in other cars, I would say the chatter is not normal. Chatter usually indicated a contaminated clutch disc or hot spots in the flywheel. I'd reach out to their customer support and see if they'll warranty it out.

 

[Kevin 007]

I sold a lawn mower to a guy on Saturday that had a relatively new diesel dodge and before he got in his truck he tells me that im to disregard his noisy clutch..... he said that everyone thinks something is wrong with it and has something to say but its supposed to make the noise. I had no idea what he was talking about or why he was even giving me the information, I just smiled and said "got it"...... im almost certain he said it was a South Bend, but it was so weird that he said this that my brain has dumped all other information....... but sure nuff as he was coming out on the clutch to back up his trailer and then going forward it sound like a bunch of tin cans being tumbled around...... i wish I could remember specifically what he said but out conversation had only been about lawnmowers and then he tells me before he gets in his truck that his clutch is supposed to make noise.......idk, maybe this is useful information.....

Thanks. Ya im not getting any gear "rollover" noise or any of that stuff, that seems to be common with ZF5's and a single mass flywheel. I was actually surprised to not have any after this install. First time i've had a SMF not give at least some of that noise.
But the chatter is noise free, just shakes the entire truck until full engagement is achieved.

 

[Jesus Freak]

Thanks. Ya im not getting any gear "rollover" noise or any of that stuff, that seems to be common with ZF5's and a single mass flywheel. I was actually surprised to not have any after this install. First time i've had a SMF not give at least some of that noise.
But the chatter is noise free, just shakes the entire truck until full engagement is achieved.

Fascinating..... id be concerned about shaking...... but, im no expert.....

 

[Black dawg]

Have used a few southbends, as well as other performance type clutches....no chatter.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

My Luk has always has some clutch chatter from a stop when the truck's been driven long for the clutch itself to get hot. At least 20 miles. It's worse when the truck's pulling a trailer, but still nothing like what yours sounds like. I figure that it has something to do with the 3.54 gears and have learned to live with it. It does help if I hold the RPM at about 1200-1300 RPM (guessing since I don't have a tach) and then slipping the clutch. Once the truck's moving, it doesn't happen at all. I've had the same set up, down to the bearings, behind 3 engines, in three different vehicles. It's been the same for all combinations. I can't see anything wrong with the flywheel or the pressure plate.

 

[onetonjohn]

Is it one of the disks that have metalic buttons on one side or both sides, or regular clutch friction material on both sides. The button clutches tend to chatter more than the softer material. Did you turn the new flywheel? Even if it's new it's a good idea, and good insurance against chatter. Also, Assuming you wiped the visquine from the new flywheel and the pressure plate. If not, that's a problem. That's usually it. On a side note, does your drive line have a center carrier? Is that loose? That will cause shaking (and noise). I like Luk clutches in these trucks (Daikin in Honda & Toyota - Saks in VWs) and the shops I worked at wouldn't instal anything else (unless directed) because we had trouble with other brands (chatter being one of the problems).

 

[Kevin 007]

I did not turn the new flywheel, I should have and I will with future ones, just to be sure.
Yes it does have a center steady bearing on the driveshaft, it's pretty tight.

 

[onetonjohn]

I had this thought after writing below. I would call south bend and see what they say could cause and best course of action. Compare that to what you see here.

If the chatter is bad and you can't live with it - I don't know of anything you can do to fix it, it's gotta come back apart. As I recall, you will see it on the pressure plate (and maybe flywheel) when you pull it apart. Uneven heat or wear pattern like arching stripes on the surface. May have to look at just the right angle to see it, but it should be there. You could take a picture and talk to south bend see what they say.

My guess is they will push for didn't tighten correctly (we used to go back and fourth across in a star and snug till the fingers collapsed a bit then move on until we went around a couple times and it started to bottom out). Not sure if that's how your supposed to do it, but that's what I did. Don't tighten bolts all the way down in one go, tighten alternate bolts a bit at a time.

If you do pull it appart, replace both pressure plate and disk, resurface the flywheel, and keep fingers crossed if it free southbend replacement, otherwise bite the bullet and use the 12" Luk. BTW the flywheels are drilled for both the 11" and 12" clutch, we always ran the 12" version, so when you look up your part, make sure it's the 12" one your getting, even if it doesn't match you exact veicile. The 12" might have been for F350 while the 11" was for 250? I don't remember, but the flywheels were drilled for both- run the bigger one.

-John

 

[Larry P]

Recently installed a SB-1944 in an idi with a SF-5, with a new flywheel. I've installed several idi clutches over the years, usually Luk products. Never had a clutch related or installation issue until this South Bend

It's got quite the chatter when initial engagement is made from a stop. Eg...taking off in 1st or reverse. The engine and trans mounts are fine, along with suspension, its definitely clutch related. The whole truck will shake. After the clutch is fully engaged, no issues at all. No pilot or throw-out bearing noises. Shift excellent.
There's now about 5000 miles on it. I thought the chatter might go away after the clutch wore in a bit, but it hasn't.

Is this typical with a South Bend 1944? As mentioned, the flywheel is new, so warpage wouldn't be an issue. It was aligned with a proper alignment tool during install. And it's chattered since day one.

I have a 1987 F250 4x4. Same problem with the chattering only it's not a new clutch. The chattering mostly happens when I'm pulling out of my driveway with a very light accelerator. I also get a ringing sound that occurs with the chatter. However, I've been driving it like this for three years and it hasn't gotten worse. I'm curious what respo ses you get.