My '86 245 with about 210,000 miles has had a clutch chatter since I got it two years ago. The clutch is also so stiff that my wife can't drive the car. To date I have: replaced the rear trailing arm bushings, torque rod bushings, rear shocks, clutch cable, motor mounts and tranny mount. I recently had a new clutch installed (Sachs). The old clutch had a broken pressure plate. The new clutch is only a little less stiff and the chatter is still as bad as ever. The shop that put in the new clutch will stand by their guarantee and put in another clutch but they want me to give the clutch a chance to run in, about 300 -400 miles. I'm now a little over 200 miles and the chatter isn't much different although I am getting the feel of this clutch and am a little smoother in my take-off's. Now my questions:
1. I noticed that the rubber carrier for the center support bearing seems to sag a bit. I can move it up about 1/8 inch when I lift the drive shaft. Can this cause my chatter? (Note, the center bearing is quiet)
2. I haven't personally taken the driveshaft off to check the universal joints but I assume the clutch shop would check these. Should I drop the DS and check these? Could they cause my chatter?
3. Anything else to check before I ask the shop for a new clutch?
Thanks to all for any help.