Clutch Grabbing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Pontiac G5 and 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Cause	Action
DEFINITION: The clutch grabs, or chatters, or the clutch is unable to release without the vehicle jerking. An abrupt engagement of the clutch. Review the Symptoms - Clutch and perform the necessary inspections.
Grease or oil contamination on the clutch facings	Repair the cause of the oil leak or grease contamination. Clean the clutch facings. Replace the clutch components if they will not clean. Refer to Clutch Pressure and Driven Plate Replacement (MU3) or Clutch Pressure and Driven Plate Replacement (M86) .
Loose or faulty engine mounts	Inspect the engine mounts for being loose or faulty. Refer to Engine Mount Inspection for the 2.0L Engine or Engine Mount Inspection for the 2.2L (L61) Engine. Repair or replace the engine mounts as required. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement for the 2.0L Engine or Engine Mount Replacement for the 2.2L (L61) Engine.
Clutch pedal sticking	Inspect the clutch pedal for correct operation. Replace the clutch pedal if it is faulty. Refer to Clutch Pedal Replacement .
Clutch actuator binding	Inspect the clutch actuator for the piston seals binding or sticking on the hub. Replace the clutch actuator if it is binding. Refer to Clutch Actuator Cylinder Replacement .
Clutch master cylinder binding	Inspect the clutch master cylinder for the piston binding or sticking in the cylinder. Replace the master cylinder if it is faulty. Refer to Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement (MU3) or Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement (M86) .
Warped Clutch Cover	Inspect the clutch cover for distortion caused by improperly tightening the clutch cover bolts. Replace the clutch cover if it is distorted. Refer to Clutch Pressure and Driven Plate Replacement (MU3) or Clutch Pressure and Driven Plate Replacement (M86) .
Improper clutch installation	Inspect the pressure plate for distortion caused by improperly tightening the pressure plate bolts. Inspect the clutch disc for a bent hub caused by forcing the installation of the transmission. Inspect for the correct clutch disc. Inspect the clutch disc for being installed backwards. Replace the clutch assembly if it is damaged or the wrong components were installed. Refer to Clutch Pressure and Driven Plate Replacement (MU3) or Clutch Pressure and Driven Plate Replacement (M86) .
Clutch disc binding on the input shaft	Inspect the input shaft for rust dirt or debris. Clean and lubricate the input shaft. Inspect the clutch disc for a bent hub. Replace the clutch assembly if the clutch disc is faulty. Refer to Clutch Pressure and Driven Plate Replacement (MU3) or Clutch Pressure and Driven Plate Replacement (M86) . Inspect the input shaft for excessive wear on the splines, causing the clutch disc to bind. Replace the transmission input shaft if it is worn. Refer to Transmission Case Disassemble for the Getrag 5 Speed Transmission or Transmission Disassemble for the MU3 Transaxle.
Clutch pressure plate damaged	Inspect the pressure plate for bent drive straps caused by improper vehicle use. Replace the clutch assembly if the clutch pressure plate is damaged. Inform the customer. Refer to Clutch Pressure and Driven Plate Replacement (MU3) or Clutch Pressure and Driven Plate Replacement (M86) .
Flywheel improperly machined	Inspect the flywheel for being machined, and causing interference with the clutch disc. Replace the flywheel if it has been machined. Refer to Engine Flywheel Replacement for the 2.0L Engine or Engine Flywheel Replacement for the 2.2L (L61) Engine.
Flywheel uneven	Inspect the flywheel surface for being warped or uneven. Replace the flywheel if it is faulty. Refer to Engine Flywheel Replacement for the 2.0L Engine or Engine Flywheel Replacement for the 2.2L (L61) Engine.