Love Centerforce now. The new clutch is working great. Please Help. 2.5 weeks without my JT---F#$%ing Centerforce!

[ACTman]

Being the end of 2022, that would have included the adapted JK hydraulics. There are a few things that could be going on. The only way to know for sure is to have the clutch parts examined and tested. We have chased similar issues over the years and found all kinds of things. For instance, I can't count how many times I have seen damaged splines from the installer forcing the transmission in place when the input shaft wasn't lined up correctly. The result is the clutch disc will not float on the shaft and so the clutch doesn't fully release. I am not saying that is the case here; it is an example. I am sure Centerforce would be able to diagnose it, but it would have to come out imo.

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[Mtpisgah]

Jumping on this old thread…I have the CF DF clutch in my JT. It has been installed since last October (22).

My JT is acting similar to the original poster - very hard to get into and out of Reverse or 1st gear. Often times I find myself having to force it out of gear as it will not disengage. When stopped at a light, I usually put the Jeep in neutral with foot off the clutch. It takes a solid 2 seconds after pressing the clutch in before I can put the Jeep in 1st or 2nd gear. I am having consistent issues with my clutch and CF’s response each time I call is either bleed the system again, change the hydraulic fluid, or change the transmission and transfer case fluid.

All of the above have been done. I had 2 different shops do the work - then I did it myself with my MityVac and master cylinder cap. Each time this was done to CF’s directions. I have been putting vacuum on the MC daily at varying inclines to see if that makes a difference. It does not.

I know some of you have had success getting resolution - I am trying to determine what the real problem is here. I can’t bleed it more often (and I shouldn’t have to - no improvement is yielded anyway). Is this something transmission related? It really seems like the clutch isn’t disengaging - but am open to any suggestions as I am just frustrated. Any thoughts?

Our CF has started doing that. The shop has checked and and cannot find anything wrong without dismantling It. It is going to back to them soon to be removed to be checked.

 

[MF Comics]

Looks like a Job for @ACTman !

 

[sxs]

Jumping on this old thread…I have the CF DF clutch in my JT. It has been installed since last October (22).

My JT is acting similar to the original poster - very hard to get into and out of Reverse or 1st gear. Often times I find myself having to force it out of gear as it will not disengage. When stopped at a light, I usually put the Jeep in neutral with foot off the clutch. It takes a solid 2 seconds after pressing the clutch in before I can put the Jeep in 1st or 2nd gear. I am having consistent issues with my clutch and CF’s response each time I call is either bleed the system again, change the hydraulic fluid, or change the transmission and transfer case fluid.

All of the above have been done. I had 2 different shops do the work - then I did it myself with my MityVac and master cylinder cap. Each time this was done to CF’s directions. I have been putting vacuum on the MC daily at varying inclines to see if that makes a difference. It does not.

I know some of you have had success getting resolution - I am trying to determine what the real problem is here. I can’t bleed it more often (and I shouldn’t have to - no improvement is yielded anyway). Is this something transmission related? It really seems like the clutch isn’t disengaging - but am open to any suggestions as I am just frustrated. Any thoughts?

Jumping on this old thread…I have the CF DF clutch in my JT. It has been installed since last October (22).

My JT is acting similar to the original poster - very hard to get into and out of Reverse or 1st gear. Often times I find myself having to force it out of gear as it will not disengage. When stopped at a light, I usually put the Jeep in neutral with foot off the clutch. It takes a solid 2 seconds after pressing the clutch in before I can put the Jeep in 1st or 2nd gear. I am having consistent issues with my clutch and CF’s response each time I call is either bleed the system again, change the hydraulic fluid, or change the transmission and transfer case fluid.

All of the above have been done. I had 2 different shops do the work - then I did it myself with my MityVac and master cylinder cap. Each time this was done to CF’s directions. I have been putting vacuum on the MC daily at varying inclines to see if that makes a difference. It does not.

I know some of you have had success getting resolution - I am trying to determine what the real problem is here. I can’t bleed it more often (and I shouldn’t have to - no improvement is yielded anyway). Is this something transmission related? It really seems like the clutch isn’t disengaging - but am open to any suggestions as I am just frustrated. Any thoughts?

Hello Greg,
Contact Roger @ Centerforce clutches (800) 932-5882 ext 132 a call to see if we can resolve this issue.

Jumping on this old thread…I have the CF DF clutch in my JT. It has been installed since last October (22).

My JT is acting similar to the original poster - very hard to get into and out of Reverse or 1st gear. Often times I find myself having to force it out of gear as it will not disengage. When stopped at a light, I usually put the Jeep in neutral with foot off the clutch. It takes a solid 2 seconds after pressing the clutch in before I can put the Jeep in 1st or 2nd gear. I am having consistent issues with my clutch and CF’s response each time I call is either bleed the system again, change the hydraulic fluid, or change the transmission and transfer case fluid.

All of the above have been done. I had 2 different shops do the work - then I did it myself with my MityVac and master cylinder cap. Each time this was done to CF’s directions. I have been putting vacuum on the MC daily at varying inclines to see if that makes a difference. It does not.

I know some of you have had success getting resolution - I am trying to determine what the real problem is here. I can’t bleed it more often (and I shouldn’t have to - no improvement is yielded anyway). Is this something transmission related? It really seems like the clutch isn’t disengaging - but am open to any suggestions as I am just frustrated. Any thoughts?

Hello Greg,
Reach out to Roger @ Centerforce clutches (800) 932-5882 ext 132

 

[Ryan...]

Everyone I know with a manual complains about the reverse gearing. For those of us in Sport models with the 3.73 rear end, it isn't even close to idling backwards up my driveway.

As much as I love my manual JT, the reverse is insanely bad. My driveway is perfectly flat, but I back into my garage at a bit of an angle so my wife has room to get the kid in/out of the car seat. That typically involves just a bit of finesse so I don't smoke my motorcycle in the 3rd spot.

In the JT I've now snubbed the damn thing out 3x backing in, something I haven't done once in the previous 16 years of driving manual cars.

Getting close to telling the wife we need to trade parking spots because I'm sicking of burning up the clutch trying to back it up lol

 

[bd100]

Low range, assuming you are backing in a straight line. Even on pavement, if it's just a few car lengths.

 

[Bbannongmu]

As much as I love my manual JT, the reverse is insanely bad. My driveway is perfectly flat, but I back into my garage at a bit of an angle so my wife has room to get the kid in/out of the car seat. That typically involves just a bit of finesse so I don't smoke my motorcycle in the 3rd spot.

In the JT I've now snubbed the damn thing out 3x backing in, something I haven't done once in the previous 16 years of driving manual cars.

Getting close to telling the wife we need to trade parking spots because I'm sicking of burning up the clutch trying to back it up lol

Gearing and Centerforce clutch helps addres this. I’m running 5.13 axle gears for 37” tires and a Centerforce Dual Friction clutch. Much better. Reverse is still a little too tall when backing a trailer up a hill - even an empty, 1,500lb trailer so I put it in low for that.

 

[Ryan...]

Gearing and Centerforce clutch helps addres this. I’m running 5.13 axle gears for 37” tires and a Centerforce Dual Friction clutch. Much better. Reverse is still a little too tall when backing a trailer up a hill - even an empty, 1,500lb trailer so I put it in low for that.

When the time comes I will definitely be upgrading to an aftermarket clutch just for general use (95% hwy driving to and from work), so for that reason I think I'll be sticking with the stock gearing and 33's for quite some time.

 

[Bbannongmu]

When the time comes I will definitely be upgrading to an aftermarket clutch just for general use (95% hwy driving to and from work), so for that reason I think I'll be sticking with the stock gearing and 33's for quite some time.

Centerforce 2 will work for your needs. Remember the stock clutch is only under warranty for 1 year, 12,000 miles. Time is always right to upgrade

 

[Ryan...]

Centerforce 2 will work for your needs. Remember the stock clutch is only under warranty for 1 year, 12,000 miles. Time is always right to upgrade

Oh dang, didn't know that! I was secretly hoping Jeep would start handing out checks or something for the clutch recall and I could use that to upgrade lol

I'll probably hold off paying anything out of pocket for a little bit, mine does still bite good, no funky smells, etc.. I'll put that money towards recovery gear and deal with the clutch either when needed, or as time allows this winter

 

[NachoRuby]

I'm holding off on the center force, for FCA to finally get parts ready and issued for this latest recall. Then, as soon as they finish the recall on mine, I'm going aftermarket. I know that doesn't make sense, but i don't want there to be a permanent open recall on my truck, and once I get an aftermarket clutch in, I don't want any problems with the dealer closing the open recall. I have 40k miles on mine and my wife has 60k on stock clutches though.

 

[Gatorized]

As much as I love my manual JT, the reverse is insanely bad. My driveway is perfectly flat, but I back into my garage at a bit of an angle so my wife has room to get the kid in/out of the car seat. That typically involves just a bit of finesse so I don't smoke my motorcycle in the 3rd spot.

In the JT I've now snubbed the damn thing out 3x backing in, something I haven't done once in the previous 16 years of driving manual cars.

Getting close to telling the wife we need to trade parking spots because I'm sicking of burning up the clutch trying to back it up lol

I installed the pedal spring from ACT and it made a welcome difference in operating the clutch. it does not improve the actual clutch but it makes. It easier to feel the engagement point.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-flywheel-explained-by-act.68758/post-1144431

 

[Ryan...]

I installed the pedal spring from ACT and it made a welcome difference in operating the clutch. it does not improve the actual clutch but it makes. It easier to feel the engagement point.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-flywheel-explained-by-act.68758/post-1144431

oh that's awesome, I may order one of those and give it a try!

 

[loganjeeps]

I installed the pedal spring from ACT and it made a welcome difference in operating the clutch. it does not improve the actual clutch but it makes. It easier to feel the engagement point.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-flywheel-explained-by-act.68758/post-1144431

? yep, me too. very worthwhile simple improvement to clutch feel

 

[redriderjf87]

? yep, me too. very worthwhile simple improvement to clutch feel

Just want to make sure, it's this part number correct? I read through the other thread but wasn't positive.

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