Clutch warranty?
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New Member
Joined: 06-23-2011
Posts: 24
From: idaho
Clutch warranty?
I've noticed this issue since I purchased my HHR 6 months ago with 32k miles on it. When you let the clutch out, the car shudders in 1st gear, unless you wind it up pretty good and then let it out. Its not smooth at all, and is nearly impossible to get it going from a stop smoothly without the whole car shuddering. i'm wondering if the previous owner burned the clutch plate or something, so its not smooth anymore? Is this something that would be covered under the powertrain warranty? My warranty is up this year (going on 5 years, only 37k miles on the car), and if its covered I'll bring it in. Don't know if its related to the resistance I get when going into 3rd and sometimes 1st gear or not either. If its not covered, I'll pay an independant shop less money to fix it than the dealer would want, since I think its an 8 hour job for the clutch replacement. What do you think? I'm not the original owner, and other than this issue, I've had no trouble with the car. Its just really getting annoying, especially in traffic.
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
Well, you do have the 5 year/100,000 mile POWERTRAIN warranty.
Generally, it's covered. BUT if the "failure" is do to abuse (as sometimes a clutch and pressure plate is), the dealer will PROBABLY not cover it. It really is dependent on the dealer attitude.
You could take it in and have the dealer "look at it" and determine at what direction of cost it will take. Of course, they may charge you to look at it. If the repair will be at your cost, then take it elsewhere.
Generally, it's covered. BUT if the "failure" is do to abuse (as sometimes a clutch and pressure plate is), the dealer will PROBABLY not cover it. It really is dependent on the dealer attitude.
You could take it in and have the dealer "look at it" and determine at what direction of cost it will take. Of course, they may charge you to look at it. If the repair will be at your cost, then take it elsewhere.
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,721
From: Alabama
Sounds like you've got a scorched pressure plate and/or clutch. This is probably not from a manufacturer defect. Most likely abuse (i.e. someone riding the clutch pedal, letting the clutch slip and scorching/hotspotting the pressure plate and/or clutch surface. Doubtful it will be warranty covered.
BUT. No harm in asking the dealer to take a look. It's possible they could cover it as one of those good will repairs.
BUT. No harm in asking the dealer to take a look. It's possible they could cover it as one of those good will repairs.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-06-2007
Posts: 359
From: Edison, NJ
Since a standard transmission clutch disk is considered a normal wear item, it is not going to be covered by the powertrain warranty. With 32K miles on the vehicle, that it just about enough time for a driver who has no skills with a manual transmission to make a mess of things.
The clutch disk, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing are relatively inexpensive items. It's getting to them that is expensive, because it takes a lot of time and effort. Figure on about $250 for the parts and $750 for labor.
The clutch disk, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing are relatively inexpensive items. It's getting to them that is expensive, because it takes a lot of time and effort. Figure on about $250 for the parts and $750 for labor.
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
I've noticed this issue since I purchased my HHR 6 months ago with 32k miles on it. When you let the clutch out, the car shudders in 1st gear, Yes, (& as the others have said) either you have hot spots on the flywheel & pressure plate & /or the springs in the clutch disc have lost pressure from overheating/ abuse.....
unless you wind it up pretty good and then let it out. That is also riding the clutch, just making it worse.
Its not smooth at all, and is nearly impossible to get it going from a stop smoothly without the whole car shuddering. You need a new complete set-up, possibly even having the flywheel re-faced. ..
i'm wondering if the previous owner burned the clutch plate or something, so its not smooth anymore? Many people can NOT properly drive a stick anymore..Very likely..
Is this something that would be covered under the powertrain warranty? My warranty is up this year (going on 5 years, only 37k miles on the car), and if its covered I'll bring it in. Being it is a "wear item" like brake shoes, doubtful.. But no harm in trying.
While tranny is out, I would flush the system & replace the slave cylinder as well....Cause that's the best time, since it's inside the bell housing.
unless you wind it up pretty good and then let it out. That is also riding the clutch, just making it worse.
Its not smooth at all, and is nearly impossible to get it going from a stop smoothly without the whole car shuddering. You need a new complete set-up, possibly even having the flywheel re-faced. ..
i'm wondering if the previous owner burned the clutch plate or something, so its not smooth anymore? Many people can NOT properly drive a stick anymore..Very likely..
Is this something that would be covered under the powertrain warranty? My warranty is up this year (going on 5 years, only 37k miles on the car), and if its covered I'll bring it in. Being it is a "wear item" like brake shoes, doubtful.. But no harm in trying.
While tranny is out, I would flush the system & replace the slave cylinder as well....Cause that's the best time, since it's inside the bell housing.
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Feb 22, 2011 05:26 AM
