Help! Issues after ACT Clutch install.

[fspalt]

So l’ll start with saying it seems like everyone has had good luck with their ACT clutch and ACT is trying to help me work through this issue.

Took my 21 JLUR in to swap from the factory clutch to ACT pro mass clutch. No previous issues with the clutch and it looked great upon inspection when removed.

Once the job was done I asked the mechanic how do you like it and he said engagement is too close to the floor for his likening. I figured maybe it just has to break in and took it home. Then I started noticing things that suggested the clutch was dragging and not fully disengaging. Biggest test was I could have it in neutral clutch fully depressed rev the engine to 4500k and I would creep forward. Went back to the shop and talked to them to see if they disconnected the slave. They said no. Just removed as needed.

Thinking maybe I had air in the line from the factory that maybe wasn’t noticeable with the stock setup I went to the dealer and had them bleed the system. No change.

Thinking maybe the new spring of the ACT clutch maybe killed the slave / master had both of them replaced by the dealer. No change. 1500 miles now on the ACT clutch.

It’s frustrating that people have been able to do this in their driveway without issue and I’m struggling after taking it to both the dealer and the shop. I’d like to try another shop if I have to pull the trans again but I’m not sure where to turn. Original shop is trying to steer me away from the ACT clutch saying he’s never heard of them and that they look like they are a race car company. Any suggestions for a shop in the Baltimore area, especially ones that have worked on JLs would be greatly appreciated. My Jeep is my only vehicle and I’m worried the trans is going to be damaged next.

Thanks

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[Jeep Wick]

Unfortunate. It does sound like air but you've already replaced so many parts. I wonder if maybe the disc was put in backwards?

 

[Kfoo]

It’s not particularly close to you, but I could point you to the shop that installed mine if you are running out of options. I’m about 3 hours from Baltimore, in NJ.

It took them a day to install, so you’d probably be looking at a multi day commitment.

 

[fspalt]

That’s definitely an option. If you can send me the info I’ll reach out. Knowing they’ve successfully completed at least one would give me a lot more confidence.

 

[fczabala]

It’s not particularly close to you, but I could point you to the shop that installed mine if you are running out of options. I’m about 3 hours from Baltimore, in NJ.

It took them a day to install, so you’d probably be looking at a multi day commitment.

I would be interested in knowing the shop if you don't mind sharing!!

TIA

 

[mudpup]

What is the normal engagement point from the floor with the ACT clutch?
I think you mentioned yours was only 1/2 inch in the other thread…

 

[Kfoo]

I would be interested in knowing the shop if you don't mind sharing!!

TIA

The shop is called J.A.B automotive in Fords, NJ. You can try asking for Joey - he’s big into customizing cars so he might know what’s going on without bringing your Jeep in, but you should be able to talk more technical details with him, maybe he’ll know what’s wrong. If you get a hold of him, you can mention that they installed the clutch on a yellow Jeep not too long ago, might jog his memory.

 

[Kfoo]

That’s definitely an option. If you can send me the info I’ll reach out. Knowing they’ve successfully completed at least one would give me a lot more confidence.

tagging just in case - I didn’t realize there were a couple replies that was curious about the shop.

They’re definitely a trustworthy shop, I recommend them to everyone I know because they do honest work.

What is the normal engagement point from the floor with the ACT clutch?
I think you mentioned yours was only 1/2 inch in the other thread…

For me, right after install it was right at the bottom, but after a few miles of driving, it normalized to about halfway engaged

 

[Old Jeeper]

Having learned to drive a stick trans on a Ford 9 N tractor and driven sticks most of my auto life and I get from 100-125k miles out of clutches. These are sitting behind engines from 375 -550 hp.

And now someone has come up with a better idea of a clutch setup that has been in use for over 100 years around the world. If it ain't broke don't fix it!

 

[fspalt]

Having learned to drive a stick trans on a Ford 9 N tractor and driven sticks most of my auto life and I get from 100-125k miles out of clutches. These are sitting behind engines from 375 -550 hp.

And now someone has come up with a better idea of a clutch setup that has been in use for over 100 years around the world. If it ain't broke don't fix it!

Seems everyone has this opinion who drives one. I cannot for the life of me think of why they thought that someone who drives a Manual wrangler would want the pedal feedback of a Honda Accord. Its even more of a shame in that this will likely be the final version of the manual Wrangler.

 

[Old Jeeper]

Seems everyone has this opinion who drives one. I cannot for the life of me think of why they thought that someone who drives a Manual wrangler would want the pedal feedback of a Honda Accord. Its even more of a shame in that this will likely be the final version of the manual Wrangler.

Modern mechanical killed it after working great for over 100 years around the world

Some one's BETTER idea or a cheaper way...

 

[Kfoo]

Seems everyone has this opinion who drives one. I cannot for the life of me think of why they thought that someone who drives a Manual wrangler would want the pedal feedback of a Honda Accord. Its even more of a shame in that this will likely be the final version of the manual Wrangler.

For the record, I had a 2016 Accord 6-6 (which I sold to buy my Jeep) and I would say without a doubt that that clutch is superior to the Wrangler’s stock clutch. Proper engagement, semi heavy, it was glorious. But of course, I’d still make that trade 12/10 times

 

[zakaron]

I'm going to throw this out there; not sure if this would have the affect you are experiencing. It's possible the shop did not tighten the pressure plate bolts evenly and in a criss cross fashion to ensure even load on the release springs. Whenever I've done clutch replacements in the past, I've always hand tightened the bolts, then went in a star fashion and tightened them a bit more with the ratchet - I repeated this a couple times to ensure even preload on it, then tightened them to spec.

As far as steering you away from ACT, if they are a reputable shop then they should know ACT has been in the business a long time and makes quality parts. I installed their clutch kit on an old '79 280ZX that I swapped in an '82 turbo engine. The stock clutch didn't take long to start slipping from the added torque. That ACT clutch clamp well and hard and never gave me grief, even when I tracked it.

 

[OldGuyNewJeep]

@fspalt any update? Did you get another shop to fix it?

 

[fspalt]

So after trying to talk to some other shops it seems most didn’t want to take on trying to fix something someone else started. Got the Jeep back today from the original shop today after ACT sent a new kit minus the flywheel. They bench tested the unit before shipping. Much improved right off the bat. Bite point seems in the right spot now. Engagement is smoother. Although now the pedal is noticeably lighter. Not as light as stock but definitely lighter than the unit I was having issues with. Will let it break in more and report back.

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