Squag27

So since I've bought my '03 CL-S 6 speed I've had issues with the car shuddering slightly giving around half throttle when shifting 1-2 and 2-3 mainly. The shuddering is only really noticeable when the car is driven while cold in the morning. Any ideas on what it could be? The car has both new motor mounts and a new clutch so I doubt its either of those.

zeta

iTrader: (1)

Just a few questions to get a little more information. You state above that '...since I've bought my '03 CL-S 6...' you have experienced this cold start shuddering through the gears you have mentioned.

Did you noticed a difference, in regards to the shuddering, as to whether it was still going on, either consistently or on/off, AFTER you had your new clutch and flywheel installed recently? Or has it more or less been consistently there ever since owning the car, pre and post clutch/flywheel replacement?

When the car is on level ground, in neutral gear, and you gently rev the throttle up to the suspected RPM range you experience the shudder while driving through the gears you mention, do you feel any shudder/vibration from the engine or throughout the car?

Try one more thing. Reach down on the drivers side, through the engine compartment and grab the inboard axle joint housing, not the shaft, at the tranny case and try to move it up/down, left/right to check for the presence of any abnormal 'sloppiness' in the differential carrier bearing. Unfortunately, this same test can't be performed on the passenger side because of the half shaft.

Are the axles original to the car?

Squag27

No change before and after installing the clutch and mounts. I noticed that the engine dampers on both sides are semi loose however. There's no shuddering while revving in neutral either. And as far as axles go they appear to be the original ones as well though I've had axles go bad on my old CL and they didn't feel like this.

thoiboi

Change fluid

Squag27

Planning on doing that this week as well. Synchromesh is what most run I believe?

zeta

iTrader: (1)

Was one of the two mounts that you replaced during the clutch job the rear mount? I only ask because that particular OEM mount is like $537

That's a good starting point, they may just need to be tightened down or potentially replaced.

That's good, and was what was happening in my case before I replaced the clutch and the original flywheel at 150K. I would get a shudder/shake very similar to yours in the same gears; however, mine would only show up after the car had been warmed up and driven awhile. Most importantly, the slight shudder WOULD occur when slowly reving the engine upin nuetral to the RPM range used for the 1-2 then 2-3 shifts. I believe it was being caused by the old OEM original flywheel I had on there with 150K. All mounts, dampers were new as well as the axles.

When you get time do the check on the inner axle housing, as noted above, to see if there is any excessive 'play' at the driver side differential bearing; otherwise, the only other possibility I can think of is that the original OEM axles are starting to act-up.

In addition, I'm thinking, wouldn't they have changed out your tranny fluid when they put in the new clutch?

Squag27

I know the transmission fluid was not replaced when they did the clutch so that's next on my list to tackle, and I just tightened up the dampers but it made no difference. Also I believe front and passenger side motor mounts were replaced during the clutch job but definitely not the rear, are those known for failing at the price point?

zeta

iTrader: (1)

That's another point of consideration, the rear mount might be on its way out since you have over, what, 124+K? It's 14 years old and may be showing its age. The good news is that you don't have to pay the $537 for a new OEM mount. You can get XLR8's aftermarket rear mount only for around $150 or so, you'd have to inquire though if that's the route you go.

XLR8 Engine Mounts - Excelerate's Honda & Acura Store - Japanese Performance Specialist

Squag27

Closer to 130k now! I'll definitely look into the rear mount then after a fluid change. Thank you as always Zeta.

zeta

iTrader: (1)

No problem. Just make sure to call/email XLR8 before buying the mount and be sure to be specific as to ordering the rear mount for a CL-S6 only and not the complete set. I only say that because, not only will it save you some 'green'; but, if you look at the pictures on his website for the mounts they all look very similar to each other, the ones for the auto and the six speed; therefore, you'll need to spell it out specifically as to what you are ordering.

P.S. Did you guys get all the pieces to that S/C'er kit squared away and in hand?

Squag27

Will do. And the supercharger actually just came in the mail today! Haven't really started piecing anything together yet but soon.

ExcelerateRep

Our XLR8 mounts for the '03 CL-S (w/ 6 speed) are actually on sale right now! You can get the whole set for $229 plus shipping.

If anyone was interested in purchasing an individual mount, we can do those for $100/ea plus shipping as part of the sale pricing.

When you're ready to order, feel free to send me an email at performance@excelerateperformance.com and I can help you get setup! The sale pricing isn't live on our website, and it won't be around forever!

Thanks for the support zeta!