Clutch judder when hot and prop question.

I've just purchased my first Jimny, a 2007 JLX+ with 67000 miles on it. I think it's absolutely great and want to keep it forever, I just need to sort out a few things on it.

The worst thing is clutch judder after driving it for some time. It's absolutely fine if you leave it to rest for a while but once hot or whatever it's a nightmare! I'm assuming clutch contamination but asking here in case anyone has any other ideas before I pull the gearbox etc?

The other thing I can't find info on is to do with the propshaft. I know it's good practice to make alignment marks before removing one, however, someone removed the prop to fix an oil leak and I'm sceptical that they bolted it back in the same position as it left the factory. There are no marks on it at all. There is a vibration that goes right through the car if you don't change down through the gears enough. ... So the question is, once the factory balanced position has been lost, how can it be found again?

Cheers!

Hi
Re clutch judder. -. No magic fixes for this unfortunately, it's a replace the clutch and inspect the flywheel and look for leaks, reacting accordingly.

Propshaft - I stand to be corrected, but I believe the propshaft is balanced as a unit, therefore it does not actually matter how it is bolted to the axle flange when new. Marking the shaft is a way of making sure it goes in the same position to accommodate wear on a used vehicle, rather than balance. That said you only need to try it in three more positions and see if the vibration is less in one position.
Could be worth checking the universal joints as these can cause vibration if failing.

Mike

Textbook answer from Mike, if you can't live with it you'll need to spend some money. The propshaft could well have had a bump, so a possible trip to the machine shop. Good luck, Chris

It might be worth checking that the clutch cable hasn't started to seize up. My 06 Jim had this and a quick lube untill a replacement was fitted transformed the car. Cheaper that a clutch as a start point.

Thanks for all the replies so far! I don't mind buying a clutch kit, I just wanted to make sure it wasn't something like the cable as is the case with my VW! I guess the factory prop alignment thing bothers me the most.
I'll be driving and getting under the car on Monday and I'll report back what I find.

The propshafts don't need to be bolted on a specific way, but they will vibrate if the ends are not correctly aligned.



Obviously this doesn't apply to the rear prop which has a CV joint at one end.