How to fix squeaky clutch for good
 

I’ve had this on/off problem with my clutch squeaking at the end of the travel, like in this video, and I’m looking for a permanent solution.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2TWE33PRVs)



Removing the slave cylinder and greasing the clutch fork pivot fixed the problem for about ~500 miles the first time I lubed it, and ~150 miles the second time.
(https://www.ft86club.com/forums/show...17&postcount=8)


Compressing the slave cylinder pin and giving the clutch fork a good jiggle fixes the issue for about 1-2 trips (10 miles?).


1) Am I using the wrong type of grease? (Lucas Red n Tacky #2) I don't want to have to jam grease down there every few hundred miles.




2) I don’t hold the clutch in at stop lights or rest my foot on the clutch, but I do bottom out the clutch every shift. Is this contributing to the problem? Do I need to adjust my clutch height?




3) The first time I had this issue, the dealership found that the throw out bearing was “dry and making the noise” and they replaced it under warranty. This fixed the problem for ~5000 miles. Although, I’m not sure if the TOB was actually making the noise, or they just happened to lube the clutch fork pivot before reassembling.

Should I take it back to the dealership? I’m at 35,000 miles at just over 3 years now and should be covered under the 60 month/60k powertrain warranty? But, I’m worried that if they crack open the transmission and find a bunch of red grease smeared around they might deny warranty.


I know it’s a common issue with these cars, but feeling that grittiness at the end of the clutch travel really bothers me when I drive. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

That sounds more like the clutch spring creaking. You might try giving it a shot of silicone spray.

Iffen that don't fix it, maybe install an aftermarket clutch fork?

:iono:

I'll refer you to ol @Ultramaroon , he be our clutch noise expert.

Extend the shaft in the cylinder all the way and slap some grease on it.

I removed the slave pin and greased both ends not too long ago when the the rubber boot ripped. Should I fill it up with grease?

I think the noise is primarily coming from the clutch fork pivot though. After sticking my finger down and greasing the pivot, it's like night and day. If only it lasted longer =/

Hmm interesting thought. Is the clutch spring the thin wire-like thing that I feel down by the pivot? Maybe I'll try spreading out the grease some more to cover that.

I was thinking about that spring that assists the clutch that is located in the footwell, on the clutch pedal mechanism, to open and close.

Ahhh I see. I actually have an MTEC clutch spring that I recently removed to clean and lubed it up with silicone grease.



https://www.ftspeed.com/part/mcs86-m...B#.X0g8uVB7nOQ

In case anyone is wondering, here is a picture of my clutch fork pivot before & after lubing.

In the before picture, you can see a bunch of old grease from previous attempts at lubricating it. The squeak was happening at the end of the clutch travel at this time.

The after pic shows a glob of grease right at the top of the pivot ball. I did my best to work in the grease and it did fix the squeak again. Lets see if it will last longer this time since I used a camera to apply the grease more accurately.

Hey i have the same problem on my 2017. Where is the clutch fork pivot located? how hard is it to get in there? does greasing the shaft in the engine bay that one o the posters indicated work? there are a few youtube videos on it. thanks

That part is located between the clutch slave cylinder piston thingy and the clutch release bearing (it's in the bell housing).

It's not all that difficult to get some grease in there and that will usually quiet it down for a while at least.

Quick & dirty: from @Ultramaroon

1. Detach the slave cylinder. Leave the hydraulics alone.
2. Remove the dust boot from the fork.
3. Reach down behind the fork with a finger and feel for the pivot. It's going to be tight because of the retaining clip.
4. Squeeze a decent glob of Lucas Red & Tacky #2 in there with your finger.
5. Jiggle the fork to distribute the grease as much as possible. It'll work in more on its own.
6. Put a dab of grease in the top pivot where the slave pin goes.
7. Reassemble.

Thar yo go - :thumbsup:

Catching up here. That wire is a retaining clip. Spreads apart and clips over the back of the pivot ball.

I've figured out the source of the creak. Tried to explain it last year in another thread but I need to make some sketches to illustrate it effectively. Bottom line is that no matter how much grease we shove in there, it'll eventually come back because that ball & socket joint is just a shitty design. Once the softer fork starts lapping into the ball, which actually has a flat face, the vicious cycle begins.

So what's the solution? Just leave it be, then?

They sell aftermarket clutch forks - :)

OR

do the humfrz method - just fucking ignore it - :D

Now that I’m certain of the source of the squeak, I’m starting to adopt your method.. of course I still had to lube it up one more time since I got this endoscope camera :)