GT500 Owners - Clutch drag TSB... Anyone affected?

[EricS197]

So I guess I've been reading too much over at teamshelby, gt500.com and svtperformance....

Has anyone experienced this?

I called the dealer in NC and he says the car is good.... But he would have the service manager check it out again (Most likely a dealer lie, I'm not that dumb). I would not like to find out that the clutch was fried on the way home from NC on May 8th...

SB
10-3-8

• SHELBY GT500 - CLUTCH DRAG

Publication Date: February 12, 2010
FORD:2007-2009 Mustang



This article supersedes TSB 09-19-11 to remove the production fix date, update the Service Procedure and Part List.
ISSUE:
Some 2007-2009 Mustang Shelby GT500 vehicles may exhibit the following clutch/transmission symptoms: hard to disengage or engage 1st and reverse, hard to shift all gears, vehicle creeps with transmission in gear and clutch pedal fully depressed without brake pedal application. These symptoms may be caused by the clutch not disengaging fully when the clutch pedal is fully depressed. This may be due to flywheel distortion caused by excessive heat build-up during unique traffic conditions (example: severe stop/go urban driving, excessive clutch slipping). The clutch system is designed for performance driving conditions.


ACTION:
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.


SERVICE PROCEDURE




Located at the end of the procedure are Figures 1, 2 and 3 which show the typical appearance of a flywheel and clutch that has been damaged due to overheating of the clutch. Figures 4, 5 and 6 show the typical appearance of a good flywheel and clutch.

This procedure does not apply to or correct the normal characteristics of the twin-disc cera-metallic clutch used in the Shelby GT500 vehicle or normal wear. The twin disc cera-metallic clutch incorporates racing technology to combine a low inertia assembly with a very durable friction material with high torque capability. Depending on your driving technique, the smoothness of how the clutch reacts to clutch engagements may be different from other vehicles that use a single disc clutch system. Also refer to pages 8 and 9 of the GT500 Owner Guide Supplement for additional information.
Normal Operating Characteristics Of The Twin Disc Cera-metallic Clutch

• Clutch chatter/shudder when engaging the clutch.
• Narrow or abrupt engagement point.
• Hiss upon clutch engagement or disengagement.
• Transmission gear rollover noise at idle.
• Gear rattle noise at very low speeds when in 1st or 2nd gear.
• Normal wear.

Diagnosis And Service Procedure Update




Based on engineering analysis of all of the returned transmission components replaced when performing the prior TSBs, it has been determined that the synchronizer assemblies and transmission input shafts do not exhibit any abnormal wear that would require transmission component replacements.

A diagnostic procedure has been developed to confirm that the transmission synchronizers are operating properly and prevent any unnecessary transmission repairs.
Transmission Synchronizer Diagnosis Procedure




The following procedure is to be used to determine if the synchronizer assemblies in the transmission may have been damaged by attempting to operate the vehicle with a dragging clutch.

• Set parking brake.
• Transmission in neutral.
• Start engine and allow it to idle.
• Clutch engaged - pedal fully released.
• Attempt to shift transmission into first gear by firmly pushing shift lever approximately 5-10 lb-ft (22-45 N-m) force for 2-3 seconds.
• If the synchronizers are okay, the transmission will not make any clash or grinding noise. You will not be able to move the gearshift lever into the selected gear (the synchronizer will block out gear engagement) and the engine RPM will decrease slightly.
• Repeat the synchronizer test (Step 5 and 6) on all of the other forward gears.
  
  • If the transmission passes the synchronizer test, the transmission will not require additional service; proceed with clutch/flywheel replacement only. Refer to Clutch Replacement procedure.
  • If clash/grinding noise is found when performing the synchronizer diagnostic, the transmission will need to be repaired along with the replacement of the clutch. Refer to Transmission Repair procedure.

Clutch Replacement

• Remove the transmission per 2010 Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-03C.
• Remove and replace flywheel per 2010 WSM, Section 303-01C. Discard old bolts and use new bolts.
• Install new pilot bearing per 2010 WSM, Section 308-01.
• Install new clutch disc and plate assembly per 2010 WSM, Section 308-01. Using new bolts.
• Apply a small amount of Motorcraft® PTFE Lubricant to the clutch hub splines per 2010 WSM, Section 308-01.
• Install new clutch slave cylinder and hydraulic line per 2010 WSM, Section 308-02.
• Install the transmission per 2010 WSM, Section 308-03C.
• Refer to Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming.

Transmission Repair

• Remove, drain, disassemble and clean the transmission per 2010 WSM, Section 308-03C.
• Remove and replace input shaft and all synchronizer assemblies per 2010 WSM, Section 308-03C.
• Assemble the transmission per 2010 WSM, Section 308-03C.
• Install the transmission per 2010 WSM, Section 308-03C.
• Refer to PCM Reprogramming.

PCM Reprogramming




The PCM must be reprogrammed after the clutch is replaced. Reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration using IDS release 65.07 and higher. This new calibration is not included in the VCM 2010.1 DVD. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraft.com.

PART NUMBERPART NAMEAR3Z-6375-AFlywheelAR3Z-7B546-AClutch7R3Z-7C391-BTransmission KitXG-8Motorcraft® PTFE LubricantXT-5-QMMotorcraft® MERCON® V Automatic Transmission FluidPM-1-CMotorcraft® High Performance DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake FluidXG-1-CMotorcraft® Premium Long-Life GreaseTA-30Motorcraft® Silicone Gasket and SealantTA-25Motorcraft® Threadlock and SealerF6ZZ-7600-APilot Bearing1R3Z-7052-AATransmission Input Shaft Oil SealAR3Z-7A508-AClutch Slave CylinderAR3Z-7A512-AClutch Slave TubeN808969-S100Clutch Bolt (6 required)F6ZZ-6379-AAFlywheel Bolt (8 required)


WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.

OPERATIONDESCRIPTIONTIME100308A2007-2009 Mustang GT500: Replace The Clutch Disc And Plate Assembly; Pilot Bearing, Slave Cylinder And Flywheel. Includes Time To Remove And Install Transmission, Perform The Synchronizer Diagnosis, And Reprogram The PCM (Do Not Use With Any Other Labor Operations)4.2 Hrs.100308B2007-2009 Mustang GT500: Replace The Input Shaft; Synchronizer Assemblies, Clutch Disc And Plate Assembly; Pilot Bearing, Slave Cylinder And Flywheel. Includes Time To Remove And Install Transmission, Perform The Synchronizer Diagnosis, And Reprogram The PCM (Do Not Use With Any Other Labor Operations)

[SteelTownStang]

No problems yet with mine... but it's a documented problem nonetheless. If it's less than 3/36, than it would be covered under the TSB/warranty. I wouldn't worry too much about it, but I understand your concerns.

[mr4teth]

Those guys over on TS are a bunch of cry baby's

Although I will say these dual disc clutches are jacked up! My clutch has always been a little chattery and sometimes down right difficult from a stop. I'm pretty much screwed on a TSB because of my mods but IMO best thing to do is take it to the track and work the clutch over! Mine has been MUCH better ever since.

Next clutch will be a SPEC!

[32valve]

Those guys over on TS are a bunch of cry baby's

Although I will say these dual disc clutches are jacked up! My clutch has always been a little chattery and sometimes down right difficult from a stop. I'm pretty much screwed on a TSB because of my mods but IMO best thing to do is take it to the track and work the clutch over! Mine has been MUCH better ever since.

Next clutch will be a SPEC!

Boy did you hit the nail on the head there!!

[Flyin Monkey]

Mine was done last summer.

[EricS197]

Whew. Glad theres not a lot of criers over here. I figured worse case scenario I have to put another clutch and flywheel in.

After putting the Spec Steel Flywheel // Stage 2+ clutch in my 05, I would definitely go Spec in the GT500!


Hopefully I dont have the plague

[Flyin Monkey]

With a build date prior to 8/16/08, chances are you will be needing to take advantage of the TSB. When this clutch goes, I too will be going to SPEC.

[XtremeS10]

I had mine replaced, was having troubles in 1st and 2nd gear, still have problems speed shifting from 1st to second and even have a Spec clutch and flywheel in it. Be careful about doing it, because if Ford decides not to cover it, it ends up between $4500-6000 and there are guys who have been stuck with the bill!!

[EricS197]

Mine was done last summer.

I had mine replaced, was having troubles in 1st and 2nd gear, still have problems speed shifting from 1st to second and even have a Spec clutch and flywheel in it. Be careful about doing it, because if Ford decides not to cover it, it ends up between $4500-6000 and there are guys who have been stuck with the bill!!

Which dealer did you guys use?

I heard there is a SVT certified dealer in Uniontown...

But hopefully I won't have to go to that extent.

[mr4teth]

Which dealer did you guys use?

I heard there is a SVT certified dealer in Uniontown...

But hopefully I won't have to go to that extent.

I would recommend taking your car to Shults Ford Wexford and have Mark (member here) work on it.

[EricS197]

I would recommend taking your car to Shults Ford Wexford and have Mark (member here) work on it.

I like a plan!

Ill just have to find a couple cases of his favorite beer too.

[sierramike]

+1 Marc @ Shults is the man.

[XtremeS10]

Northland Ford in Zelienople, talk to Bob Reddick, member on here as well as a GT500 owner himself...

[Flyin Monkey]

I took it to Smail in Greensburg. Clutch, pressure plate, flywheel and syncros all replaced. It drove like a different car afterwards. I shower up carrying a printed out copy of the TSB. Showed them the car and they agreed it would be covered.

[EricS197]

Xtreme // Monkey...


Did your car show symptoms of the TSB?

If so... What mileage?

[XtremeS10]

Xtreme // Monkey...


Did your car show symptoms of the TSB?

If so... What mileage?

Not really, just the typical inability to speed shift into 2nd, a few times stalling on me without even letting the clutch out at all, just some grinding here or there but nothing too bad, I bought my car off the owner of Northland and we know them personally down there because we do their electric and what not so they took care of me on everything

[Flyin Monkey]

ALOt of chatter and hissing...Then the clutch quit working altogther. You had to shut the car off to put it in or take it out of gear. It was almost a direct drive.

[TYR FRYR]

I had to have it done last summer. Clutch was very difficult to operate, and grinding going into 2nd and 3rd gear. Almost all of my 21K miles are short trips with lots of stop and go, so it was a prime candidate.

The chattering still goes on. I consider it a failure on my part:)
Hissing? It ia a snake, right? Doesn't your snake hiss?

[EricS197]

Back to this topic... With headers, JLT intake, MGW shifter and "stock looking" 2.65" pulley... think there will be an issue in covering the clutch?

Im considering just upgrading it to a McLeod or Spec and have Wolfpack do it right...

Not that I'm making a 900 horsepower monster, I think the car will see 600's someday.

[mr4teth]

Back to this topic... With headers, JLT intake, MGW shifter and "stock looking" 2.65" pulley... think there will be an issue in covering the clutch?

Im considering just upgrading it to a McLeod or Spec and have Wolfpack do it right...

Not that I'm making a 900 horsepower monster, I think the car will see 600's someday.

Technically NO but they should as this is a known problem and your mods had nothing to do with it.

I was able to get mine done last fall. I recommend going to a dealership and talking to the service manager.

BTW - 2010 clutch feels SO light compared to ours. Only down side, it's not designed to withstand high house power like ours.