Several questions here -
1. About 4 years ago I had my clutch changed to a Brute clutch. This was not my first choice in a clutch but I was limited to places where I could go. Had this done at an AAMCO.
Shortly after, I noticed a tick sound when stopping/changing directions. It only happened every so often. Sounds like if you were to tap the edge of a quarter on a pane of glass.
Here in the past few weeks, it's come more frequently, happening more when braking after backing out of a parking space or my garage but once it actually ticked 3 times. Nothing felt like it slipped though - just a noise, no weird feels.
Anyone experience this after changing a clutch? I've checked to see if maybe some undercarriage bolts were loose. A few bolts that I could get to - The engine mount bolts on the cross member weren't torqued right and though I'm not sure these would have had to be loosened or removed, now I'm a bit concerned about other loose bolts.
2. About that Clutch - I asked if this was a complete kit. They said yes... But now, and maybe related to the issue above, a few times it seems the clutch is slow to re-engage after the pedal is released. Once, pulling out of a slight incline in 2nd gear (I didn't come to a complete stop to shift into 1st but did have the clutch pressed), in a fairly spirited acceleration, the clutch didn't fully engage till I eased off the accelerator. I've noticed on several other occasions before this time where it seemed the clutch was slow to engage. Would slip slightly then all of a sudden grip. Does this sound like the Throw Out Bearing going out or a spring or something attached to the fork?
I just passed 276000 miles and I'm not sure I want to put another $900 or more into a clutch. Any advice on these or any cheap fixes that anyone else has done?
Help!
Dave