Symptoms
Slipping under load, a burning smell, or a clutch-overheat warning after crawling. Recall 20V-124 covered manual Wranglers built from August 23, 2017 to February 13, 2020 because the pressure plate could overheat, fracture and, in the worst case, start a fire.
The fix, step by step
- Run the VIN through NHTSA first.
- TFLcar reported 29,818 Wranglers in the original recall, and later recalls widened it: 21V-028 (2018–2021 manuals) and 23V-116 (2018–2023 manuals), with 24V-572 re-flashing some 2021 trucks already fixed under 23V-116.
- If the recall work has been done and the clutch is simply worn, support the transmission and transfer case, remove the driveshafts, crossmember and exhaust as needed, and drop the transmission.
- Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate and release bearing, and check the flywheel.
- Bleed the hydraulics, and replace the slave cylinder while the transmission is out.
Tools & part numbers
- Transmission jack
- alignment tool
- torque wrench
- brake bleeder
- a friend.
Where to buy the parts
Mopar 68273845AC clutch kit, 2018–2021 JL/JTQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Mopar 04581906AB clutch slave cylinder, 2018–2020 JL/JTQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Mopar 04581905AB clutch master cylinder, 2018–2020 JL/JTQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
JL clutch partsExtremeTerrain ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep Wrangler JL parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.