GT500 Clutch TSB / July28,2008 and TSB 09-09-02

[Drag Junkie]

That is very good advice. It's exactly what I did and everything went over without a hitch.

Bust in like you own the place, tell them you’re there to discuss the TSB with the Service Manager and that you want a test drive with their SVT trained mechanic. My first question to the tech was if he had done one yet. Two key symptoms he looked for was the take-off chatter and difficulty / grinding when shifting into 2nd gear. I didn’t even demonstrate the grinding; just mentioning it was good enough for the tech.

If they take offense to your manor you probably don’t want to have your car serviced there anyway. Anyone that spends $50K on a Mustang should expect a little more understanding from a dealer service center than usual IMO. You receive that type of concern / service when you have luxury cars serviced; Lincoln, BMW, etc. Even though this is a different vehicle, the money is close to the same.

In any case, don’t take no for an answer.

[08redgt500]

Originally Posted by 68fastback

Welcome 08redgt500! -Dan

--

Sounds like Joe U is picking up where Bill W left off -- good to hear Ford's not assuming the TSB is the 'last stop' since there's always the possibility some new problem can turn up on TSB'd cars too.

Not easy to figure out true failure syndromes, design a fix, install some number of fixes only to find out that wasn't the whole problem (e.g. the missing teflon grease was not the whole problem, etc) only to have to cycle thru it all again. Good to hear Ford is having at least one person dogging the TSB results.

It's unfortunate so many were inconvenienced with this whole clutch/tranny fiasco -- some two or three times (depending how early). Hopefully the TSB is it -- but good to hear it's being actively managed.

Joe U is a great automotive engineer, and a helluva nice guy. He actually is now employed with Rousch, and consults back to SVT(was part of the slaughter at SVT earlier this year, oh sorry, I mean staff reductions). He redesigned the fly-wheel. Being an engineer myself, we had some great conversations. For one, about the fly-wheel; and you all may have heard this already, but I'll ramble on anyway(it's the chocolate cookies I just downed) ;)... the original flywheel design used nodal steel and had the vents cut in the fly-wheel around the center hub area, the idea was they would dissipate heat, and as can happen with design engineering the effect was 180 off, they conducted heat from that nice big chunk of iron it's mounted to, and thus caused the warpage, which in turn breaks the clutch, which in turn damages the CSC(slave cylinder) over time, which in turn damages the tranny input shaft(the tolerances were slightly off, at the low side of margin for the splines), which in turn f's up the synchros, which in turn.........you get the idea. Thermals are one of the worst aspects when engineering complex systems, especially those with moving parts; four-corner testing tries to capture all scenarios, but doesn't always account for all possible scenarios; the other MF'in gremlin is shock and vibe; which is a real bitch...

[Dad's72Mach]

Originally Posted by 08redgt500

Check out a few dealerships, it doesn't matter that it is one you didn't purchase from. The dealership charges back the warranty work, and unless the dealership has been engaging in shenanigans with warranty claims, they don't care. The one that did mine was not the one where I bought it. Ask how many SVT techs they have on staff, and tend to go with a larger, newer dealership; they will be most likely to have the specialized tools for the tranny kit build. Your car has all the symptoms BTW and will need the FULL TSB done, don't let them tell you anything else. Pick one that has the above criteria, print out the TSB, call them and specifically mention the TSB number and that your car has the symptoms. Go down, insist that an SVT tech go for a ride with you,(it wouldn't hurt to drive around for about 2 hours before hand if you can, so the symptoms are clearly visible), demonstate it to him, then make sure he drives it too. They will most likely write it up and order the parts with you there. It could take from 3-10 days to get the parts. If you have any issues with refusal to do the work, PM me and I will give you the name, phone number(s) and emails of people that will assure it gets done, and done right. They(Ford) are standing behind the cars, they just need a little prodding to do the right thing. See TSB attached. Jack points are shown in your Owner's manual, there are four notches, one just behind the front wheel and one just ahead of the rear wheel, along the lower edge of the rocker panels. Same place the car jack would go if the car had a car jack. ;)

Thanks for the info, I'm hoping I won't have to take advantage of your kind offer of help but it is nice to know your contacts are available if needed.
I swear I've started to pick up the phone twice to make a service appt and stopped both times because my heart began to race and I began sweating. I'm afraid my voice may crack or, god forbid, I break into tears.
Oh well there are far more reports of good experiences out there than bad so I'm hopeful. I'm just glad I live near a larger city so there are a couple options out there. My state is mostly rural so there are a lot of areas where the local dealer is the only option for miles and miles.

[08redgt500]

Originally Posted by Dad's72Mach

Thanks for the info, I'm hoping I won't have to take advantage of your kind offer of help but it is nice to know your contacts are available if needed.
I swear I've started to pick up the phone twice to make a service appt and stopped both times because my heart began to race and I began sweating. I'm afraid my voice may crack or, god forbid, I break into tears.
Oh well there are far more reports of good experiences out there than bad so I'm hopeful. I'm just glad I live near a larger city so there are a couple options out there. My state is mostly rural so there are a lot of areas where the local dealer is the only option for miles and miles.

Your car sounds like it should have the TSB, and it is clearly indicated in the symptoms you are experiencing. Start with the dealership where you bought the car if that's convenient, or find another dealer that sells Shelbys and try them. Just print off the TSB, familiarize yourself with it so you can describe the symptoms and use key words from the TSB that they will respond to. You want to be firm and confident with them without being a jerk. They'll probably do it, as Ford is under alot of pressure these days, from several directions, and they need their install base(customers) to remain faithful right now. They don't need any bad press right now.. Good luck, and if you'd like the contacts I spoke of, let me know in a PM.

Take care,

-=-Dennis

[Drag Junkie]

I just picked up my car from having the Clutch TSB preformed on it. The difference is amazing!!!

• Clutch pedal effort is almost half of what it was originally, almost too light. I will adjust over time.
• The engagement point is closer to the top of the pedal stroke also.
• Transmission shifts seamlessly now. No grinding or stiff engagement.
• No take off chatter.

The mechanic also found excessive wear on the engagement teeth on 2nd and 3rd gears and he replaced them as well. Even if my car had no problems or symptoms of the TSB complaints, I would want it changed anyway because of the vast performance improvement over the factory installed system.
I live near Charleston, SC and took my car back to where I purchased it, Woody Bilton Ford. The mechanic (Chris) was very knowledgeable and well trained. If you live near here I highly suggest using them for the repair. They were not reluctant to do the repair and did not take any additional convincing to get it done. I was a little concerned about that happening because I have the Ford Racing TVS supercharger system on my car. Still no problem.
FYI my car is a 08, so don’t let the manufacture date concern you. If your car doesn’t have the “new” clutch system in it, I would have it replaced.

I’m very happy with the car now…………

[08redgt500]

Originally Posted by Drag Junkie

I just picked up my car from having the Clutch TSB preformed on it. The difference is amazing!!!

• Clutch pedal effort is almost half of what it was originally, almost too light. I will adjust over time.
• The engagement point is closer to the top of the pedal stroke also.
• Transmission shifts seamlessly now. No grinding or stiff engagement.
• No take off chatter.

The mechanic also found excessive wear on the engagement teeth on 2nd and 3rd gears and he replaced them as well. Even if my car had no problems or symptoms of the TSB complaints, I would want it changed anyway because of the vast performance improvement over the factory installed system.
I live near Charleston, SC and took my car back to where I purchased it, Woody Bilton Ford. The mechanic (Chris) was very knowledgeable and well trained. If you live near here I highly suggest using them for the repair. They were not reluctant to do the repair and did not take any additional convincing to get it done. I was a little concerned about that happening because I have the Ford Racing TVS supercharger system on my car. Still no problem.
FYI my car is a 08, so don’t let the manufacture date concern you. If your car doesn’t have the “new” clutch system in it, I would have it replaced.

I’m very happy with the car now…………

It's a nice change, isn't it?! One thing you mentioned that might not be right though, is the clutch effort; it sounds like they may not have bled the clutch properly; which is a very common thing. Your clutch should feel about the same as far as effort on the pedal and engagement goes. Try the following too see if makes a difference: with the car turned off, in neutral, pump the clutch about 30 times, like you would for normal shifting, then press the brake pedal firmly. You will probably hear a pssst of air when you hit the brake. Start the car and drive around a bit, I think you'll feel things tighten up a bit.

[6-Speed]

Make sure your dealer has all the parts for the TSB before they start tearing into your tranny. Have the dealer physically verify it; don't just take their word for it. I took mine in Nov 24 after my service advisor told me the TSB parts came in. I actually asked whether the parts were all there and handed my advisor the TSB and asked him to check that the parts were the right ones. I get a call on Nov 26 and learn some synchros and dogs (whatever they are) were missing from the kit and they have them on emergency order. So today Dec 3, I learn my parts are on national backorder with no official ETA. So my car is just sitting on a hoist at my dealer waiting on parts to arrive.

[6-Speed]

Dec 5 - I get word that the missing synchros will arrive Dec 12. I may elect to have the Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC or a.k.a throw-out bearing) replaced while doing the TSB. I only have 3800 miles on my car. Any thoughts on whether this is a good idea and worth me spending $185?

[68fastback]

Originally Posted by 6-Speed

Dec 5 - I get word that the missing synchros will arrive Dec 12. I may elect to have the Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC or a.k.a throw-out bearing) replaced while doing the TSB. I only have 3800 miles on my car. Any thoughts on whether this is a good idea and worth me spending $185?

I think the only problems with the CSC has been those created by improper installation/bleeding. Whether they reuse the old one or put in a new one I think the odds of a problem are low but similar, so might as well let them pay for it if there's a problem, i.e. re-use the one you have ...just one train of thought.

[GRABBER]

Originally Posted by 6-Speed

Dec 5 - I get word that the missing synchros will arrive Dec 12. I may elect to have the Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC or a.k.a throw-out bearing) replaced while doing the TSB. I only have 3800 miles on my car. Any thoughts on whether this is a good idea and worth me spending $185?

It's a $90 part that takes 2 bolts to put on. Why are they charging you $185 ?

I got a new one and watched the tech put it on. It was a 3 minute job.

[6-Speed]

Originally Posted by GRABBER

It's a $90 part that takes 2 bolts to put on. Why are they charging you $185 ?

I got a new one and watched the tech put it on. It was a 3 minute job.

I don't know - but that's the price of the part the dealer gave me. I probably won't get this done.

[Johnny Dangerously]

Originally Posted by 6-Speed

I don't know - but that's the price of the part the dealer gave me. I probably won't get this done.

Can you buy it on your own & have them install it? They probably won't warranty the part, but maybe the install.



`

[6-Speed]

Originally Posted by Johnny Dangerously

Can you buy it on your own & have them install it? They probably won't warranty the part, but maybe the install.
`

They might ... they are going to install a FR shifter that I bought along with some drive shaft bolts. I'm most likely going to pass on the new CSC; mine only has 3800 easy miles on it.

[6-Speed]

Originally Posted by 6-Speed

Dec 5 - I get word that the missing synchros will arrive Dec 12. I may elect to have the Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC or a.k.a throw-out bearing) replaced while doing the TSB. I only have 3800 miles on my car. Any thoughts on whether this is a good idea and worth me spending $185?

Update - Dec 9. Service Advisor just informed me there are no extras of the parts I need in the world and it may be Jan 1 before they are available. I am going to see if they can just install the new flywheel and input shaft for now and button up the tranny with the original parts. I am not the type that complains much but this has been a real nightmare - just need to vent.

[6-Speed]

Originally Posted by 6-Speed

Update - Dec 9. Service Advisor just informed me there are no extras of the parts I need in the world and it may be Jan 1 before they are available. I am going to see if they can just install the new flywheel and input shaft for now and button up the tranny with the original parts. I am not the type that complains much but this has been a real nightmare - just need to vent.

Update - Dec 12. The tranny parts (synchros) finally arrived. Dealer had to get them from an alternate source besides directly from Ford. The tech was planning to work on the weekend to he wouldn't be interrupted. Hopefully all goes well.

[GRABBER]

GT500Flyboy and I think alike. I also got to keep my original tranny after they put the new one in last Jan. Recently when the TSB work was done to upgrade my flywheel and clutch and pilot bearing...I had the dealer do the rest of the Tranny TSB on my original.

I have it packed away in the original box that I rebuilt for safe storage:

[GRABBER]

Here's some pic's of the new input shaft that is all lubed up and bagged.

[GRABBER]

After crating the Tranny....I shrink wrapped it and put it in the corner of my shop.

[GRABBER]

For those of you wondering where your vin is on the tranny....here it is:

[gt500flyboy]

I take all my cues from the master Grabber.