Jeep Gladiator Stock Clutch Exposed

[@bbannongmu]

The stock clutch was way too weak/light for this vehicle. Not sure why Jeep is compromising on this when manual drivers are pretty dedicated and willing to accepts some peddle effort in exchange for strength and simplicity. 🙂

[@JTRSpartacus]

Thanks for watching ! What do you think about the stock Jeep Gladiator clutch? #JTRSPARTACUS

[@jbann4300]

Nice

[@rodgood]

You never mentioned that there are" two" friction discs in the stock configuration ,you should have pulled the pressure plate apart . I agree it is still a poor design tho , and the biggest improvement is the heavier flywheel . Why they put a" car " clutch in a flagship off road Jeep ,is beyond me .

[@JTRSpartacus]

Looks like a couple rivets on the stock setup that i would need to drill. I’m trying to keep this thing in one piece a d out of my way. Probably end up selling it to someone who needs it so I don’t wanna lost parts or mess it up. Hard to see clearly exactly how it works in the pressure plate / other friction surface but it’s obviously (overly) complicated and lightweight. Thanks for watching!

[@rodgood]

Yours is a twin Disc, the the updated ones are single disk it, was a silent upgrade . i would point this out on the Fiat Forums but they banned me in 2018 for my concerns over this weak clutch !!

[@JTRSpartacus]

THANKS for watching ! It’s a dual mass flywheel design. There is only 1 clutch disk - dual rotating flywheels. Overly complicated and weak IMHO. My Centerforce Dual Friction clutch is huge upgrade! So much better. #centerforce #JTRSPARTACUS

[@MidKnight2142]

I've been trying for months to get the Centerforce clutch but they keep telling me they are waiting on parts to make more. To prepare somewhat, I've been going around and seeing if anyone near me can install the clutch. I asked the dealership where I got the Jeep and the guy behind the counter looked at me like I'd just insulted his mother or something, telling me there is nothing wrong with the stock clutch if I did brake it on purpose. Guess who isn't getting my business now lol.

[@JTRSpartacus]

Sorry to hear. Took me over a year due to inconsistencies in the factory specs and supply chain issues. Luckily I had a 4x4 shop - Keystone 4x4. I rarely let dealers touch my vehicles. They are generally pretty bad and they want to out the same junk parts back into your vehicle. The Centerforce clutch difference is worth the wait. It is awesome! Good luck. #JTRSPARTACUS

[@chadfarris4465]

I’ve had my manual gladiator for about 4-5 months now. It’s not my daily driver so it currently has about 850 miles. I’ve noticed at startup(not all the time) that their is a squeal after releasing the clutch sitting in neutral. If I put my foot on the clutch just barely it goes away. When I take my foot off it keeps squealing. It does this for about 30-45 seconds then goes away. Any ideas what it is? I’m guessing the throw out bearing?I took it to the dealer at 500 miles and they told me to drive it more. 350 miles later it’s still making noise. I now have an appointment at the dealer to replace the throw out bearing. Just wondering if anyone else has any ideas or has the same issue? Thanks

[@JTRSpartacus]

Sounds like a throw out bearing and/or bearing shaft. Could also be a friction sirface or pressure plate issue /contamination. This @centerforce vid describes a clattering sound for the JK with a different transmission but the same principle applies and can be a metal on metal squeal. Good luck ! #JTRSPARTACUS

[@JTRSpartacus]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5fbZKuVbNxoeLs

[@chadfarris4465]

Well the dealer replaced my throw out bearing. Problem most definitely not fixed!! Still squealing on a cold start up. Dealer says they contacted Jeep and Jeep said that was normal operation to squeal. I said that was crap!!! So I’m done and was gonna trade it in at 4 months old and 1,100 miles on it. Now the dealer won’t take it on trade in or buy it back. WTF?!?!? So I’m gonna have to take it to another dealer somewhere. Idk if I got a lemon or what but this bums me out to have to sell the first vehicle I got to order. So I give a manual Jeep a 👎🏻 . I’m just a. VERY disgruntled Jeep customer.

[@JTRSpartacus]

@@chadfarris4465 yikes! Sorry to hear. The stock clutch is too weak for “real” Jeep duty. An aftermarket clutch with a heavier flywheel fixed this. Sorry this didn’t work out for you ☹️ #JTRSPARTACUS

[@wvjeepguy8178]

My JK centerforce dual friction clutch only made it around 14,000 miles before it started slipping. The factory clutch lasted right at 100,000 miles. I think I'll look into ACT or another brand next.

[@JTRSpartacus]

Yikes!! Sounds like a defect or install error. Seems like Centerforce would work with you to make it right if it’s their issue. Mine has been bulletproof DD, towing, off-roading and it’s visibly waaay tougher and simpler than the weak JT Luk clutch. I’ve never replaced a clutch due to wear in 30 years of driving. I just replaced the JT clutch because it was weak. My 1953 M38A1 was on its original clutch when I sold it in 2012. Good luck! #JTRSPARTACUS