Reasons to shudder
HI, I have a 2009 Corolla and have noticed that when setting off in first gear the car sometimes shudders. It has done this on and off for as long as I have had it.
Picture taken from www.autovisuals.comI thought it was just me, but my other half drove the car through a bad traffic jam the other night (he does not normally drive my car) and every time we set off in first gear the car juddered very badly.
We rang Toyota to book the car in for this week. However, they say it might be the result of wear and tear and so it will not be covered under the warranty. I explained that it has always done this but, because I have never taken it in before, they obviously can't take my word on this.
Has anyone else had this problem and is it going to cost me a fortune? - Naledi Khanyile, Johannesburg
Hi Naledi,
Clutch shudder is actually quite common and there are a number of possible causes, which are usually expensive to fix.
Clutch shudder can be caused by oil contam-ination of the clutch plate, by a fly- wheel or clutch plate out of specification, by worn clutch springs or by worn splines on the clutch disc.
Check for oil leaks around the gearbox housing. In many cases the clutch will need to be disassembled and repaired or resurfaced. Monitor your driving habits and be sure not to rest your foot on the clutch pedal on inclines or during traffic.
