Section 08-00: Clutch System, Service
1996 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-Super Duty Chassis Cab and Bronco Equipped with Manual Transmission Workshop Manual
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

Symptom Chart — Clutch System

 
SYMPTOM CHART — CLUTCH SYSTEM
ConditionPossible SourceAction
  • Clutch Slippage
  • Insufficient clutch pedal free play.
  • Sticking clutch pedal.
  • Damaged or weakened diaphragm spring.
  • Damaged clutch pressure plate.
  • Worn clutch disc facing.
  • Hardened or oiled clutch disc facing surface.
  • Damaged flywheel.
  • Clutch Chatter or Shudder

    NOTE: A light chatter or shudder in the vehicle when engaging the clutch at low engine rpm is a normal occurrence. Therefore, drivetrain components, particularly the clutch disc and the clutch pressure plate, should not be replaced or rebuilt in an attempt to eliminate this condition.

  • Loose or worn engine mount.
  • Oil on clutch disc facing.
  • Damaged clutch pressure plate or excessive runout.
  • Hardened or worn clutch disc facing.
  • Damaged or hardened flywheel surface.
  • Clutch Drag
  • Insufficient brake fluid.
  • Leakage of brake fluid.
  • Excessive clutch pedal free play.
  • Weakened diaphragm spring.
  • Excessive runout or damaged clutch disc.
  • Rusted or worn clutch disc splines.
  • Oil on facing.
  • Clutch Pedal Pulsation
  • Clutch and brake pedal pivot shaft not properly lubricated.
  • Excessive flywheel runout.
  • Clutch-Related Vibrations
  • Engine component grounding against frame.
  • Accessory drive belt loose or damaged.
  • Loose flywheel bolts.
  • Excessive flywheel runout.
  • Clutch pressure plate imbalance.
  • Hard Shifting
  • Insufficient brake fluid.
  • Excessive clutch pedal free play.
  • Damaged or worn clutch release lever.
  • Damaged or worn transmission input shaft pilot bearing.
  • Damaged clutch release hub and bearing.
  • Manual transmission concern.
  • Fluid Leakage
  • Clutch master cylinder.
  • Clutch slave cylinder.
  • Hydraulic lines (tubes and connections).
  • Clutch Noise
  • Insufficient clutch pedal free play.
  • Damaged clutch release hub and bearing.
  • Poor lubrication of clutch release hub and bearing sleeve.
  • Damaged or worn transmission input shaft pilot bearing.
  • Worn pivot points or clutch release lever (if equipped).
  • Excessive crankshaft end play.