My clutch can chatter pretty hard, particularly getting into first. I can get it to launch smoothly, I just have to be careful. It's a little easier to launch in second than in first.

My assumption is that a new clutch is in my future. I understand that this question is moot as I'll just replace everything, but what causes chatter? Is it warped friction surfaces? Bad surface finish? A slipping clutch makes sense to me, but I'm not sure I get what's going on in a chattering clutch.

Thanks.

Most likely warped flywheel surface but ,can be all of the above.

Steve

Oil on the clutch will make it chatter too ...
Andy

Broken / loose motor mounts can cause it too. Not common but possible...

My dad had the same problem in his Vette. Chatter everytime he released the clutch. Turned out when we pulled everything apart to rebuild the tranny that the pressure plate was about 1/4 inch out of whack. Ordered a new plate, bolted it up, and no more chatter.

improper clutch adjustment can cause chatter in my experience. Also a worn pivot for the T/O bearing can do it...

The most common causes are broken motor mounts, a worn bowden tube, oil on the disc and a warped flywheel....