Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:89 syncro westy clutch shudder
From:Mick Kalber
Date:Thu, 19 Oct 2000 12:59:52 -1000

I'm curious as to your thoughts on this recent development.  since dropping
the center shaft, in preparation for the installation of a new viscous
coupling, everything seems much more loose... front end, trans, etc.  that's
normal I guess... just the lack of the front end being hooked in.  But now
the bus has developed this very strong shudder when letting out the clutch
in reverse and first from a dead stop.  doesn't happen all the time, but
almost all of the time, and much less when the bus is still moving a little.
No problem in other gears and bus runs fine otherwise.  Noticed it before
the switch, but very infrequently, only in reverse, and not nearly as
severe.  now it's so bad it's scary to drive it.  seems like it's going to
shake apart... vibration gets stronger as clutch is let out.  can be
modified, but not eliminated by double clutching.  Once clutch is fully out,
shudder disappears.  is my clutch just giving up the ghost or maybe bad
motor mounts or CV joints or what?

I'm getting a bit discouraged... I paid a lot for this bus.  Seemed in
excellent condition, but everything I do seems to lead to something else
needing to be done.  Just a twelve year old vehicle?

Mick Kalber
89 Syncro Westy "Daddeo"
Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
62 Halaulani Place    Hilo, Hawaii  96720
ph. 808-935-5557    fax 808-935-0066
hotlava@interpac.net
www.volcanoscapes.com