shudder in first and reverse - 2008 GT500

My husband added his reply earlier in this thread. Now it is my turn.
This is my car. I drive it all the time. At first I did have a problem with the shudder. I figured out that the right combination of gas and clutch release the shudder does not happen. Once I got used to it, it never happens anymore. You just have to give it a little more gas when you take off from a stop. These cars have a lot of power and once you get used to it, you won't have a problem.

JUSTUS5
Jan

 

+1^^^

 

I too have "learned" how to drive with this issue. I have also learned through other sites (namely the Shelby Automotive Team Shelby Forums) that me "learning" how to drive like this is just putting off the inevitable. The actual problem comes not only from the clutch but the transmission and original assembly. I attached the links for all those who think it's not an issue. But this many people having this same issue isn't a coincidence. My dealer told me there was a fix, Ford Motor Comp. told me there was a fix and Shelby told me they have been fixing this issue since 2007. A TSB is suppose to be in the works and hopefully will be completed soon.
It's some good reading for the owners.

http://www.teamshelby.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12946
http://www.teamshelby.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=29179
http://www.teamshelby.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28548
http://www.teamshelby.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14874

 

Hello all,

Just wanted to inform anyone who didn't already know, that the TSB for the transmission, clutch, and flywheel has been released. They are saying that this is the reason for the shudder in first and reverse and who knows, it may well be. This is suppose to correct the problem. The number is;

TSB 08-16-4 Shelby GT-500 Clutch Drag

It's for alll 2007-2009 models.

And beware!!! They have to remove and replace EVERYTHING with new, even the bolts, so if your mechanically inclined you may want to watch them and verify they have it all before they start.

I just hope it helps!!!

 

Thanks for the info, I just saw this over on another board as well. Strangely enough, my shuddering problem seems to have faded to the point where, at least for now, I don't think the dealer will do anything. I'm smart enough to know these issues usually don't fix themselves, so we will see. I drive this car often, not every day, but 3 or 4 times a week weather permitting (about 150 miles a week). I am holding off on installing my new upper and lower control arms and adjustable pan hard rod for now. I don't want to give them a reason to not fix this issue should it make a return visit.

Thanks again,

Chip

 

I "learned" how to drive mine also and the shudder isn't really noticable unless I'm on a hill. The TSB doesn't really say "only if there is a problem" but says if it's happening. You can probably get it fixed anyway. Better to do it now then find out later that you really did.

 

I have also been told the new production 09 will have the single disc clutch like the GT?

 

Not sure about the new clutch for '09, but I did have mine fixed and got it back last week. It seems like a different car!!!
The shudder and stalling are gone and the car actually feels different when driving it. A HECK of a lot better drive, not having to wonder if it will go in gear at the next shift. All that said only time will tell if this is an improvement or not.

 

Just got my new 09 GT500 yesterday, had 13 miles on it, I have about 70 right now. I have noticed one thing that I wanted to ask you guys about. In second gear, when the car warms up, I get a "whine", that is hard to describe, it does not exactly sound like a drill bit but it feels like one thru the gear shift. Strangely, it almost sounds like the air conditioner bogging down, which is what I first thought it was but it goes up or down with the throttle and is independent of AC operation.

It doesn't seem to fit with the Clutch Drag described in TSB 08-16-4, I can get in all 6 gears and it seems to engage solidly. Look I know this thing is a machine and I love it, I do not expect nor want bank vault quiet, if it is normal, fine, love it but I'm like you guys, just want to know pieces aren't rubbing together that shouldn't be. Certainly it is heat related since it only shows up when the car warms up. The sound is from the forward section of the console really from inside the dash, towards the front it is not from the rear.

Any responses are appreciated.
Thanks!

 

Hard to day, could be rear diff moan, i have it as well, also I have a violent wheel hop on hard accel when spinning the tires!

 

I have had my new 09 GT500 for three weeks now and am also experiencing the same issues. I find that feathering the throttle around 1500 rpm when relaeasing the clutch give the smoothest results. I too have wondered if there is something seriously wrong with this clutch but have an experience to defer to. Last year I spent a day with Proformance Racing learning to drive a CASCAR (Cdn verions of road course NASCAR) at 175 mph and the clutch experience was EXACTLY the same. I am chocking this up to high horseower engines and the drive train required to accomodate them. I would love to hear that Ford has a fix, but not at the expense of durabitlity, since the Shelby is strictly my toy that needs to be able to put horsepower to ground.

 

For what it's worth, there is a service bulletin out on this issue. Here is a copy of it from my dealer:

SSM#20442

2007-2009 MUSTANG SHELBY GT500 – CLUTCH CHATTER
SOME 2007 - 2008 SHELBY GT500 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED
WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A
"CLUTCH CHATTER" DURING INITIAL TAKE-OFF OF THE
VEHICLE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS HOT. THE
CLUTCH CHATTER MAY BE PRESENT IN 1ST AND/OR
REVERSE GEARS AND IS CONSIDERED A NORMAL
CHARACTERISTIC CAUSED BY THE CERAMETALIC
CLUTCH LINING. THE CLUTCH CHATTER HAS NO EFFECT
ON THE PERFORMANCE OR DURABILITY OF THE
VEHICLE. COMPARE TO A LIKE UNIT. IF THE SYMPTOM IS
EXCESSIVE COMPARED TO A LIKE UNIT, FOLLOW
NORMAL WORKSHOP MANUAL PROCEDURES TO
FURTHER DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/15/2008

 

Once again, Thank god there are at least two people that arent so dense.I love these forums where some idiot finds a tsb with a similiar topic like clutch
drag and now for some reason they think that would cause shudder on take-off.If your clutch was dragging then you would have engagements issues.You
also ever wondered what that loud hissing noise was when you let out the
clutch.Well guess what you would hear with the clutch pedal depressed.You guessed it.A hissing noise.I have fixed one gt500 so far and the driver was about 19 and the car was beat on pretty bad.That clutch was a rats nest of
friction material. let me inform you of another thing.If you complain enough
the dealership will do something for you for three reasons.1st one, because
you spent 50k with them.2nd, so you will shut the hell up.And last but not least, we are paid pure commission.So if its slow, we will do whatever you want, so we can make money and so youll be happy.You dont have to believe me.Im only trying to inform you from the perspective of a gt500 owner and also a Ford Senior Master / ASE master and Advanced Level certified technician.

 

Thanks goes to in10se and dcdoug for spot on info.We need more members
like them.There is also a tsb out for rear end whine.The fix is a dampner similar
to the previous body mustangs with 8.8".For what its worth mine whines at
light tip in 50+ mph.Your local dealer can perform the fix.It slightly helps.

 

Is there any chance that your flywheel is warped ?

That is a known problem for the GT500, there is a TSB out for that car. Your ford dealer should be able to look it up

 

Sorry about the last post guys, wasn't paying attention, didn't see there was a another whole page to this thread LOL