Clutch Recall (FCA W12 | 20V-124) on 2018-2020 JL Manuals [overheating clutch pressure plate]

[Toycrusher]

Got my jeep back today, the clutch engages much sooner and it’s a shorter pedal press, very much like a sports car now but……. look at all the scoring on the old flywheel

@Toycrusher what do you think this is from? The installer said it looks like someone took a wheel to it to resurface but this was a new kit that was installed 20k miles ago under recall.

I'm going to guess that they didn't replace the flywheel last time, they just put an abrasive pad on a die grinder. It's not a super impressive flywheel to begin with. Mine had plenty of burn spots in it. As the investigation continues, it seems the cheap throwout bearing designed for this transmission is the primary culptrit for the loosey goosey engagement and the pressure plate failures.

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[OBJLU]

I'm going to guess that they didn't replace the flywheel last time, they just put an abrasive pad on a die grinder. It's not a super impressive flywheel to begin with. Mine had plenty of burn spots in it. As the investigation continues, it seems the cheap throwout bearing designed for this transmission is the primary culptrit for the loosey goosey engagement and the pressure plate failures.

That’s wild there are gouges on mine, I found this on LUK’s site.

 

[LLRubylady]

I should be picking mine up tomorrow

You had a center force put in?

 

[OBJLU]

You had a center force put in?

Yes I did

 

[LLRubylady]

Hopefully it all works out well. I'm looking to get one. Although we are discussing it is better trading in and getting a new auto with the recon package it may be better than regearing and tires.
I am not having any clutch problems but am afraid to drive it.

 

[LLRubylady]

Isn't the center force a dual mass clutch as well? from all the reading, it seems they are bad clutches to begin with.
I wonder if the CF will fix the problem? I would just hate to spend a few grand and it only be temporary.

 

[Toycrusher]

Isn't the center force a dual mass clutch as well? from all the reading, it seems they are bad clutches to begin with.
I wonder if the CF will fix the problem? I would just hate to spend a few grand and it only be temporary.

No, Centerforce is a one-piece high-mass flywheel. It stores exponentially more torque than the stock flywheel which means you have far greater force stored up to get your Jeep moving without adding power via throttle.
It also means it takes more fuel to get it spinning and more fuel to get it revved up. It takes longer to decelerate on it's own too making the rev hang even more noticeable.
I personally love the transformation. You may not

 

[LLRubylady]

Thank you. I only noticed a little rev hang. Didn’t really pay attention to it as I’m new to wranglers.
i have read that the issue is bad throw out bearing and in some threads bad flywheel. Don’t know which it is or both. So this one should eliminate the chance of explosion from heat which is good.

 

[Toycrusher]

Thank you. I only noticed a little rev hang. Didn’t really pay attention to it as I’m new to wranglers.
i have read that the issue is bad throw out bearing and in some threads bad flywheel. Don’t know which it is or both. So this one should eliminate the chance of explosion from heat which is good.

No reason to panic or worry. Incredibly small chance of failure and you would notice hard shifting and other weirdness

 

[LLRubylady]

I should be picking mine up tomorrow

Did you get the part with the CFT or the KDF? I can’t remember if I asked you this or not. Couldn’t find the thread.

 

[OBJLU]

Did you get the part with the CFT or the KDF? I can’t remember if I asked you this or not. Couldn’t find the thread.

CFT, I think KDF is the dual friction

 

[58Willys]

Got my jeep back today, the clutch engages much sooner and it’s a shorter pedal press, very much like a sports car now but……. look at all the scoring on the old flywheel

@Toycrusher what do you think this is from? The installer said it looks like someone took a wheel to it to resurface but this was a new kit that was installed 20k miles ago under recall.

Those marks are from the rivet on the pressure plate. Friction lining must have melted off.

 

[Toycrusher]

Those marks are from the rivet on the pressure plate. Friction lining must have melted off.

Here's what the pressure plate and primary clutch disc looks like. I'm not sure those flywheel scratches and scuffs would have come from these.

 

[LLRubylady]

I do appreciate all your posts on this topic. Very helpful.
I don’t know much about auto repair but trying to learn.
Having driven manuals a lot in my years it’s hard for me to imagine a clutch bursting apart.
Would you say that the ones that have had the failures must have been excessively heated from causes other than normal driving??

That CF looks way thicker compared to the OEM.
I guess it’s engineered for abuse.

 

[TahoeTaylor]

Calling all manual JL owners!! I found a law firm that is taking inquiries on the JL clutch recall. I urge everyone to take a minute to fill out their intake form at the link below. It’s super fast. Spread the word!!! FCA / Stellantis NEEDS to be held accountable for their negligence in dealing with their clutch issues. Maybe if there’s enough interest we can get a class action going. It’s not about the 25 cent postcard we’ll each get in 10 years after the suit is settled, it’s about holding them accountable!

https://www.schmidtandclark.com/jeep-wrangler-recall-lawsuit

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