jaybo86

I recenty picked up another XJ it's a 97 with manual transmission.
The clutch pedal is real stiff and sometimes it's hard to get in gear while at a stop like it's blocking it to go in gear,but while moving it seems to shift ok with no grinds or slips.If the jeeps (not running) the clutch is still stiff but it is very easy to shift into all gears with no problems.

Does this sound like a pressure plate/clutch problem or somethig else.


Thanks in advance for any help.

itsanxjthing

It sounds like a syncromesh problem, are you having trouble going into first or reverse from stop, or all gears?

jaybo86

Well I noticed today when it seemed to be blocking me from going into first it also didn't want to go in any other gears either I would have to work with it for a min before it would engage.

What would that mean?

jaybo86

I was thinking the reason for the stiff clutch is a bad pressure plate?
And for it to not want to go in gear sometimes while running but to go in with no problems if the engine is off sounds like the clutch isn't engaging all the way?

Anyone eles have any thoughts?

itsanxjthing

well even with no clutch when the motor is not running it should move freely, my only other guess is the actual clutch disc, when hot it may not engage the whole way, and a rolling shift is easier anyway, cant power shift sittin still right?

jusper88

By stiff are you talking like you have to put the pedal all the way to floor? My buddy always complained about my clutch being "stiff" in the manner. I'm used to driving pick-ups and most their clutches are like that. When I bought my 97XJ it would pop outta first and felt like I was being rear ended...no lie. I noticed a few months later that it was having trouble shifting to third. Since then I've been driving in second to start (idiot yes i know) but have recently got my paws on a tranny...If you have a wknd I'd definately pull tranny and t case and find out about the clutch. I just bought a centerforce dual friction for when I reinstall my rebuilt tranny and t case.

bridge9

my clutch pedal got real stiff for a few months before the clutch wore out. also started getting a bit hard to get into first and reverse. i did it myself with two friends. it's a bit tricky. my brothers clutch went and he got a mechanic he knows to do it for 500 euro, costs about 800 from a garage. he had the same problem with getting gears, then it stoped going into gear one day while he was driving and the clutch when bang. i was driving behind in my jeep so he got a free tow home!
you should see if you know a mechanic who could have a quick look at it to tell what it is. anyway best of luck with it.
noel