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MG TD TF 1500 - Clutch Action in Reverse

Driveline shudders in reverse. It seems to be more pronounced when backing up a small grade. Car has original clutch (34,000 miles) and engine mounts. I have had various remedies suggested, such as new clutch and pressure plate, new rear engine mount. I know this is a prevalent problem in T cars, but I have never heard a really definitive solution.
Clutch works fine in forward gears and does not appear to be worn or slipping. If I increase engine revs and slip clutch while reversing, all appears to be fine.
colin stafford

Mine does the same thing. As the guys in our computer department would say, "It's a design feature".
Craig Cody

Hello. Yes it is a bit of a design feature. Much is caused by the rear axle climbing the pinion (it winds up, and springs down). If not done already, check the spring u-bolts/axle rubber pads. The pads tend to turn to mush, and with repeated tightening, the nuts bottom out, and this reverse chatter gets really bad. Check that out first before changing the clutch. Also, the u-bolts wear into the axle case (deeply in some instances). Moss has "shims" that fit under the u-bolts to prevent this chafing. Let me know if this is your problem.
George Butz

Colin,

Mine does the same thing, as do other TDs that I know. As I understand, when reversing, the rear axle has a tendency to twist a bit in the suspension (kind of bunches up) and then releases, then bunches up, etc. producing the shuddering. As Craig observed, a "design feature" and not to be worried about.

Larry
'51TD
Larry Thompson

Usually caused by rear moter mount being worn and the rubber soft. Change that and 90 % of shudder is gone. Bolts through tha rubber and rear mount stabalizes the rear. Had that done this
Ellis Carlton

I had this problem and solved it.I had bad rear shock bushings that made the problem worse until I replaced them. The shutter in forward was caused by loose U bolts on the rear end. The shutter in reverse was cured by fixing a broken tranny mount. Now no porblem.
Brian Kenney

Colin - If all of the above doesn't cure the problem, then wait untill you have a reason to pull the engine. Remove the flywheel and have it resurfaced. This one action took all of the reverse shudder out of my TD. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

One more time, same problem. Solution was fixing broken mount on tail shaft. Dave tf/15
capdave

This thread was discussed between 07/08/2001 and 08/08/2001

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