🚀 go-pugleaf

Here's a summary of responses to my question:

> What can cause clutch chatter in a front wheel drive Datsun?

I received mail from six knowledgeable advisors on the subject (thanks
to you all).  Most suggested more than one possible problem.  In total
the suggestions (and number of repeats) were:

4  Throw-out (== clutch release?) bearing worn, "hammered", or needs
   grease.  Should be obvious if so; it's the only bearing in the area.
   Should be replaced when the clutch plate is replaced; it's cheap
   insurance.  [Seems likely to me.]

2  Sounds like transmission trouble.  Transmission input shaft or
   bearing is bad.  [Possible, as the F10 transmission appears to be
   badly designed.  I've already had it replaced once due to gears
   just wearing out.]

2  Clutch assembly is out of balance, which would cause vibration
   throughout the car.  [Doesn't seem to be the case.]  Check all
   spinning parts in clutch assembly.

1  Sounds like CV (constant velocity) joints chuckling.  Check that they
   are lubricated with correct (graphite based) grease; cheaper is not
   good enough.  If the noise exists when the car is not moving [yes it
   does] then it's not the CV joints.

1  Flywheel surface is glazed or has oil on the surface.

1  Were the big clutch disc packing staples removed?

1  Probably not pressure plate or disc; get a free inspection.

1  "Chain rattling" sounds like rear-end trouble (bearings).  [My fault,
   I decided later that "gurgling" is a better description.]

1  Clutch chatter is really violent drive train shaking during
   engagement; it doesn't sound like that's your problem.  [No; sorry
   for my abuse of terminology.]

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I'll have the car checked soon, probably next week, and post one more
short followup on what the problem really is.  Thanks again for the free
advice.

Alan Silverstein