Clutch shudder -- used '20 PP2

[bullittt]

My Dad and I are looking at getting him a '20 PP2 from Carmax. It's a 2-owner car, 401a, 15k miles, $36k.

We've driven a lot of Mustangs and this is the first one that I've seen with this problem. When taking off in first (it's most pronounced in first) and letting the clutch out smoothly, there is a noticeable shudder as the clutch engages. It's not super bad but noticeable and completely repeatable.

I've read 2 things:
1. This is normal and some people with brand new cars have experienced the same
2. The flywheel is warped

Aside from having a dealer look at it (he has 30 days to return the car), is there something else we should look at to narrow it down? I fear it's the latter since it's a PP2 car and people generally drive them hard and none of the other Mustangs we drove (8 or so) did this.

Thanks,
Sonny

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[Chacho71]

I own a 20 PP1 and I have this shudder as well. I really notice it after some spirited driving. I have 19k miles and it has been doing it for the last 10k miles, clutch still grips really well.

 

[Biggus Dickus]

My Dad and I are looking at getting him a '20 PP2 from Carmax. It's a 2-owner car, 401a, 15k miles, $36k.

We've driven a lot of Mustangs and this is the first one that I've seen with this problem. When taking off in first (it's most pronounced in first) and letting the clutch out smoothly, there is a noticeable shudder as the clutch engages. It's not super bad but noticeable and completely repeatable.

I've read 2 things:
1. This is normal and some people with brand new cars have experienced the same
2. The flywheel is warped

Aside from having a dealer look at it (he has 30 days to return the car), is there something else we should look at to narrow it down? I fear it's the latter since it's a PP2 car and people generally drive them hard and none of the other Mustangs we drove (8 or so) did this.

Thanks,
Sonny

Aftermarket or stock clutch? My McLeod RST shudders a bit but its no big deal.

 

[bullittt]

Aftermarket or stock clutch? My McLeod RST shudders a bit but its no big deal.

Is there any easy way to tell if it's aftermarket or stock? There's nothing in the Carfax about the clutch being replaced but it could have been done in the previous owner's garage.

Sonny

 

[paulm1]

in my opinion this is normal. When you push the car hard, do some powershifing and hard launches my car seems to develop some shudder. It will go away after some normal (easy) driving, at least mine seems to.

 

[CR151S]

in my opinion this is normal. When you push the car hard, do some powershifing and hard launches my car seems to develop some shudder. It will go away after some normal (easy) driving, at least mine seems to.

maybe so….

I have similar experience. I’ll likely leave it alone until when the clutch actually starts slipping.

 

[WD Pro]

Had the car been stood in a damp / cold / wet environment ?

Did it still do it once it was fully warmed up and after a few miles of driving ?

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/manual-occasionally-gets-the-shudders.184162/

WD

 

[frestylmotox01]

Yea, I'd be curious if it was the stock clutch, I never had a shudder with the stock unit, but with the McLeod RXT, I do notice it quite a bit.

 

[djcodeman]

Unsprung discs will do that

see this video for more info

 

[MrMike]

Before I bought mine I test drove multiple manual Stangs and never experienced this.

Is the clutch is different on the MT82D4?

 

[Coastal-Mach]

I noticed it yesterday for the first time. Granted my drive was redline, speed shifting and high RPM downshifts into the corners. I will report back if it is still present or gone after the cool down over night.

 

[ORRadtech]

The only thing I have to offer on the clutch situation is I wouldn't expect that to be normal with a stock clutch.
What I do have to offer is that CarMax is very good about honoring their warranty on the cars they sell.
Perhaps mention your concerns to your sales person to have it checked pre-purchase or buy it, drive it a week and take it for warranty service. Your dad will still be in the 30 day window so you'd think that would give them incentive to keep the car from being returned.
In the end I guess it comes down to how attractive this particular car is to your father.
Good luck with the decision.

 

[NGOT8R]

Is there any easy way to tell if it's aftermarket or stock? There's nothing in the Carfax about the clutch being replaced but it could have been done in the previous owner's garage.

Sonny

The easiest way to check for an aftermarket clutch is to pull the starter and use an inspection mirror to look inside the bellhousing (identified by the green arrow). You’ll be able to see if there is a different clutch pressure plate (they usually come in various colors) and flywheel assembly. The factory clutch assembly will look like the second pic.

 

[KingKona]

Does the car come with a warranty?

If so, you're over-thinking all of this, and should just buy the car. If the clutch gets worse, have it replaced underwarranty.

 

[ORRadtech]

It's a 2020 so it's close to timing out of the factory warranty if it hasn't already.
Carmax cars come with a 90 day/4k mile warranty and the 30 day return warranty.
It's also new enough with low enough milage to qualify for a Ford extended warranty or any number of other aftermarket warranties.
Were it me and I liked the car I'd go ahead with the purchase. My only curiosity/ concern is why there have already been 2 previous owners?

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