Would You Guys Trust This Clutch?

Hi Guys,

I was getting my fluids changed on my 308 and realized that is it definitely a time for a new clutch.

I have looked around and I'm considering a new unit, but would any of you trust a pre-owned one?

On e-bay I found a clutch "out of a low mileage 328 - seller says its should have at least 50K miles on it".

Here is the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170464383995&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123

Any thoughts are appreciated or opinions on where to best get one, etc - ultimately I'd like to do what is best for my car.


Mucho thanks,
Mike.

 

The link to ebay shows an Air Conditioner Clutch which has an electric engagement function so that you are able to turn the AC on with an electric switch. This setup might be worth buying if you cannot locate a new one. These "clutches" are particularly difficult to find by themselves

If you are looking for the "clutch" (part of the drivetrain) which is located in the bellhousing next to the engine flywheel then this part on eBay is not for you. As a matter of course I would never put a used clutch disc back on a car. It is too time-consuming to change if you put a used one back in place of a new disc. Some will reuse a clutch pressure plate (aka clutch cover) but again it is not worth your time to put in a used pressure plate especially if a weakened Pressure plate led to the clutch disc failing. While you are in there, you will want to replace the throw out bearing as well- same reasons.

I think the going rate for new clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw out bearing is $4-500 but it has been a while since I priced them. Could be as high as $600 or $700. Shop around, would advise getting Fichtel and Sachs brand which I think is OEM.

 

Hi Don,

Thanks for the note. Yes, then this is not the clutch that I want. (Thanks for the explanation) I need the clutch that is a part of the drivetrain. I'll look around - I see a company named AP that makes them as well, from I gathered so far.

 

Mike, how did you realize that it's definitely time for a new clutch? Did something become apparent in the process of renewing the fluids? Or, did the clutch start to slip when you were driving?

 

A new clutch kit from trutlands is like $600 bucks. Any used part like this would be highly suspect in my opinion. Give yourself some peace of mind and buy new for this job. I think Nick's Forza also has an upgraded clutch kit.

 

How did changing your fluids cause you to realize that you need a new clutch?

 

Ditto to all of the above.

With all due respect, it appears you're a neophyte to the mechanical workings of an automobile, since you mistook an A/C clutch to be your drive train clutch.

Have a pro check it out and, if you do need a new clutch, buy new....not used!

 

Guys,

I like to look at options. And, I'm not afraid to ask what might be considered a dumb question.

Sometimes and most often you learn in the process - like I did.

That is all -- I'm getting a brand new unit.

I knew the clutch might be at the end of its useful life (my car has 54K) and realized that the time is best to do this is right now, so I have a peace of mind in the driving days. Doing fluids had nothing to do with the clutch, outside of my mechanic pointing it out that maybe we should definitely take care of it now b/fore the Summer. Simple enough.

Thanks!

 

That's actually a VERY good deal on the York compressor with the 'Ferrari only' clutch, which costs around $375 by itself.....

 

Mike,

Here are the Ferrari part numbers you will need if you want to replace the three most important parts of the clutch on your car. Some mechanics say that you may not need to replace the Pressure Plate, although I would as it isn't that expensive. Also you should resurface your flywheel when you replace the clutch for better performance. I know because I just did mine. Here are the parts you will need:

1) Ferrari Part: 110558 - Clutch Plate itself
2) Ferrari Prt: 121562 - Pressure Plate
3) Ferrari part: 100849 - Release Bearing

You may need another bearing on the other side, as well as a few seals and O-rings. Shouldn't cost you more than $1,200.

 

Mike I think you are over reacting. There is no need to put in a new clutch if the old one is not slipping. If a mechanic is saying it is better to do it now then he is taking you for a ride. To spend between $1500 - $2000 to do this when there is no sign of failure is in my thoughts a waste of money. I would go through the standard adjustment and drive it until it starts to slip. Then replace it. You may want to shop around for the parts to get the best deal but to just jump in and do it is nuts. Just my 2 cents

 

Thanks for the input everyone.

Steve, yeah the clutch is starting to slip a hair. It also catches the gear (while I'm changing gears) when the clutch pedal returns from being depressed and is pretty much towards the end of its return back. You know what I mean?

 

Don't take offense to any of the replies; it's a learning process.

We're just trying to help!

 

Mike this is a little different issue to look at. If you mean a little crunch of the gears while shifting it may be a symption of the syncro's in the gear box going. If you have a "little" slippage you might fix that by having a clutch adjustment done. I would try that 1st before putting in a new clutch . If you have syncro's going (usually 2nd and 3rd) it will be a major job. Do the easy stuff first and see where it leaves you. It would be senseless to do a clutch job only to have to do a transmission rebuild after you're done. My suggestion would be to adjust the clutch and change the gearbox fluid. Good luck

 

Can the life expectancy of a clutch be determined by the amount of adjustment left in the cable? A few years back my mechanic advised that I replace mine based on something to with the adjustment process. It had not slipped to that point but I went ahead, based on his advice, and did it myself.

 

Hi ya Steve,

No, I don't mean by "catching" the gear that it grinds ... just that the gear goes in (Smoothly) - but - at the time when the clutch pedal is almost towards its return back.

I'll take in your comments for sure. It would be nice if the adjustment was all it needed. My mechanic did look under the car while changing fluids and test drove it - but, always worth to ask. In the end, a new clutch is always an improvement and if it is needed, then I'm ok with it. Thanks for taking the time!

Darrolls - 100% all good. I enjoy learning.