Clutch Return Spring Failed at 35,000 miles

johnb · **Posted:** Mon Aug 24, 2009 4:35 pm

Hi guys... just dropping a line to add this to the forum.. my clutch return spring just failed today. Depressed the pedal to shift into 2nd when I heard a *tink* and the end of the spring dropped into the footwell. I was right in the neighborhood of a jeep dealer so I took it in there... They're talking about potentially needing to replace the whole clutch assembly since they didn't think Chrysler sold the spring separately.

I'm not sure if this will ultimately be covered under warrenty or not - I know the basic warrenty does NOT cover it, but the Lifetime MaxCare package covers these componoents:

Bell Housing

Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir Hose

Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir

Clutch Hydraulic Tube

Clutch Master Cylinder

Clutch Release Cable

Clutch Release Fork

Clutch Slave Cylinder

Gear Shift Lever Assembly

Gear Shift Linkage

Manual Transmission Case and All Internal Parts

Seals and Gaskets

Shifter Lock Cable

I wasn't really expecting to see "Clutch Pedal Return Spring" on the list... Not sure if it is definately associated with one of these components or if this'll be one of these BS judgement calls on the part of the dealer. I'll keep you guys posted.

Khaki-KJ · **Posted:** Mon Aug 24, 2009 5:23 pm

1 year or 12,000 miles for the clutch, although they may cover it under the regular warranty since this should not be considered a "clutch wear" issue, more of a defective part issue.

johnb · **Posted:** Mon Aug 24, 2009 5:38 pm

Khaki-KJ wrote:

1 year or 12,000 miles for the clutch, although they may cover it under the regular warranty since this should not be considered a "clutch wear" issue, more of a defective part issue.

The basic warrenty specifies that no MT clutch components are covered - period... The LMC shows coverage - just not sure if this will eb applicable... Where did you see 1yr/12K for the clutch?

Edit - just saw you're in canuckville... maybe that's the difference?

Khaki-KJ · **Posted:** Mon Aug 24, 2009 5:53 pm

I am not sure. I was doing a lot of research about Liberty clutches, since mine has had a high pitched squeal since it was new. I was getting annoyed and I was thinking of trading it in on a Rudicon in July. Somewhere in all of that is where I picked up on the 12/12.

But, since this is not a normal wear and tear type problem, I would go at it from that angle. A defective part, or bad installation, caused your trouble, not shifting, not riding a clutch, not off-roading.

Khaki-KJ · **Posted:** Mon Aug 24, 2009 5:59 pm

http://www.jeep.com/crossbrand/warranty ... 9_1-40.pdf

Go down to page 7;

When It Ends
The Basic Limited Warranty lasts for 36 months from the
date it begins or for 36,000 miles on the odometer,
whichever occurs first. But the following items are
covered only for 12 months or for 12,000 miles on the
odometer, whichever occurs first:
• brakes (rotors, pads, linings, and drums);
• wiper blades;
• clutch discs or modular clutch assembly (as equipped);
• windshield and rear window; and
• wheel alignment and wheel balancing

I hope that helps.

johnb · **Posted:** Mon Aug 24, 2009 6:04 pm

Khaki-KJ wrote:

http://www.jeep.com/crossbrand/warranty/pdf/08_MK49_1-40.pdf

Go down to page 7;

When It Ends
The Basic Limited Warranty lasts for 36 months from the
date it begins or for 36,000 miles on the odometer,
whichever occurs first. But the following items are
covered only for 12 months or for 12,000 miles on the
odometer, whichever occurs first:
• brakes (rotors, pads, linings, and drums);
• wiper blades;
• clutch discs or modular clutch assembly (as equipped);
• windshield and rear window; and
• wheel alignment and wheel balancing

I hope that helps.

Interesting... That's not the doc I get from the US site. The us doc runs warrety coverage against the lifetime benchmark, vs. this doc using the 8 yr benchmark.. my doc also shows this:

Transmission: transmission case and all internal
parts; torque converter; drive/flex plate; transmission
range switch; transmission control module; bell
housing; oil pan; seals and gaskets for listed components
only.
NOTE: MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH
PARTS ARE NOT COVERED AT ANY TIME.

I'm figuring the LMC is the bet - and I actually think they'll make good on it. I can tell you for sure that I won't be replacing the clutch assembly on my own dime - I'll mod some spring I can buy online.

Khaki-KJ · **Posted:** Mon Aug 24, 2009 7:27 pm

My dealer experience has been great so far. The dealer I was using got dropped by Chrysler and has now converted to a Hyundia(?) dealership, so I have to go look for another one. While they were with Chrysler, they really took care of my Jeep and my Mother's Jeep. They fixed my window regulator problems even after the warranty had run out. There are some good ones still out there.

Clutch Return Spring Failed at 35,000 miles

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