Okay. so I DD my '08 SS/TC. When I'm driving around town, I usually cruise at like 40- 50 mph @ 1500 rpm in 5th gear. While I'm cruising the car tends to chatter and lightly jerks a few times(4, maybe 5x max). It sounds to me like there is a slight binding going on with the CV axles. Is this a normal thing? Haven't jacked the car up to check the CV axles out, but it's been happening since I got the car last year. My car is not lowered so Idk whether it might be my wheel bearings or something else? Is it just because the rpm is too low @ that speed

 

Clutch chatter

 

Rpms are too low. If your car at least moves after chattering a bit, you know that at least know your clutch is good, but in the long run you're killing your clutch.

 

You're lugging it at that speed in 5th. And heating the valves too, which is not the best thing for a D.I. engine. 4th gear at that speed.

 

Honestly I don't touch fifth gear unless, I'm on the highway or on straight stretches and crusing. At 40mph, you should be about right at 3200rpms in 3rd or 2500 or so in 4th. There is no need for 5th at that speed. You're killing the clutch.

 

^ Probably a major reason I have to replace the stock clutch now anyway. Okay cool. The car keeps on moving. I just didn't know what the issue might be. I just got my new FX300 clutch in( oem to be replaced soon.) Didn't really think 4th gear was the cure, but I have run it in 4th, which did stop the chatter. I thought 5th gear was to get the most mpgs around town also. You ladies are sooo helpful. Thnx so much

 

40 MPH in 5th gear?

 

as everyone else said, 4th and you should be all good. as far as mpg you really won't notice. I just try to keep the rpms above 2k and I havent had a problem yet.

 

You GUYS caught the "ladies" part, right?! Just sayin'.

 

ya. i overlooked it, but ya. that was so 1990's :/

 

Clutch chatter, your RPMs are too low..

 

i try not to cruise below 2-2.5 k. i hate the clutch chatter too much

what i don't get is, how does cruising at low low rpms kill your clutch?

 

This.