Clutch | FerrariChat

Clutch

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Mark B, Sep 10, 2005.

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  1. Mark B

    Mark B Rookie

    Nov 28, 2004
    15
    Sarasota
    I was out driving when my clutch started screeching when I pushed it in. Also the small plate under the clutch that has small holes in it and four bolts holding it on just behind the muffler is leaking a little bit. I think it may be time to get a clutch. What do you think and how much can I expected to pay? 1994 348 spider.
    Thanks all, MARK
     
  2. AR!

    AR! Formula Junior

    Apr 8, 2004
    981
    Berlin, Germany
    I just had my clutch for the t Cab rebuilt at a company specializing in clutch recycling. Cost me 250 EUR instead of 900 EUR for the clutch set from Ferrari.

    However they where not able to rebuild the TOB so I am looking at another 250 EUR for the original part. First quote was 150 EUR, than the information came that it is only available at Ferrari UK for 400 EUR and finally I found a local source for 250 EUR.

    Edit: There where four seals which had to be replaced in the process, cost was at 30 EUR.
     
  3. hardtop

    hardtop F1 World Champ

    Jan 31, 2002
    11,294
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Dave
    Mark,
    The screeching is probably a throwout bearing. I'm not sure about your description on the leaks, but 348 flywheels are filled with grease and often leak. The flywheels can be rebuilt if not worn out, o/w pretty expensive to replace.

    Dave
     
  4. DMOORE

    DMOORE Formula 3

    Aug 23, 2005
    1,720
    San Diego
    Full Name:
    Darrell
    The leak could be from the slave cylinder. Mine started to leak on my 355 during a trip up to Monterey two years ago. I had to refill it every morning for the rest of the trip, until I got back to San Diego. The clutch was toast though, having been soaked in brake fluid. Good Luck.
    Darrell.
     
  5. TomDial

    TomDial Rookie

    Aug 6, 2004
    36
    Europe
    Full Name:
    Chris
    If you get a very loud, screaming sound when pressing the clutch, the release bearing is gone.
    Easy job to replace. Can be done in two hours. But don’t drive any more or the clutch pressure plate has to be replaced as it wears in a very short time.
    The ball bearing can be removed from the hydraulic part, so if you are lucky you don’t need the whole assembly.
     
  6. Mark B

    Mark B Rookie

    Nov 28, 2004
    15
    Sarasota
    Thanks everyone. found out I need just about everything. Have to break the bank. $6800.00 ouch!
     
  7. steve f

    steve f F1 World Champ

    Mar 15, 2004
    12,119
    12cylinder town
    Full Name:
    steve
    had the clutch bearing go on my f512m boy does it scream and smoke and smell but a complete clutch sorted it
     
  8. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
    Vegas+Alabama
    Full Name:
    Mr. Sideways

    I wouldn't start out that route. Worst case is $6,800 at the Ferrari dealership with a new flywheel, new clutch, new seals, and new throwout bearing.

    But the labor for getting your clutch out is not substantial. 6 bolts or so and you are in there.

    The Ferrari Club web page has a **dentist** writing up a
    "how to" guide showing how he replaced his 348's clutch in his driveway.

    OK, pay Ferrari for a factory throwout bearing for peace of mind. You could find one elsewhere for less, but spend the $800 or so dollars. Pay RicambiAmerica $1,600 or so for the clutch (there are also other sources with even lower prices on some variations) to get the very perfect part.

    Now follow the instructions to remove your 6 bolts et al. Swap out the clutch and throwout bearing yourself, or pay a decent shop to do it (figure 3 hours of shop labor, experienced Ferrari mechanics here in Alabama charge $72.50 per hour).

    If that solves your problem, then you are good to go. If not, pull it all again and have your flywheel resurfaced for $100. Repack it with grease (another $100) and then reinstall everything. You're only in for $2,750 at this point.

    Only if you still have a problem...THEN...pay Ferrari for a new flywheel (bringing you up to $6,800 all in).
     
  9. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner


    Whoa.... man, don't go that route! Even if you don't buy from me, I'm sure you can do better than $6800. I assume somebody has quoted you labor and parts. Since we don't have an exact description of your problem, can you share with us what's going on?

    Flywheel? TO bearing?


    -Daniel


    By the way, I have an OEM Ferrari TO bearing for your car (155226) on the shelf right now, $420. http://ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=202988. It's my last one. Next batch will be more expensive, but what the heck... somebody should enjoy the fruits of a good purchase I made a while back.
     
  10. AR!

    AR! Formula Junior

    Apr 8, 2004
    981
    Berlin, Germany
    Did you read my post? Even those figures seem to be exaggerated by far. My t Cab drivetrain is almost the same as that of the 348. Biggest difference is that I have the semi-automatic Valeo clutch which makes things a little more expensive.

    Today UPS brought the TO bearing (Ferrari part): 220 EUR
    As I already mentioned a very decent rebuild of the clutch was at 250 EUR. The original kit was at 700 EUR for the standard single plate clutch and 900 EUR for the Valeo semi-automatic.
     
  11. matteo

    matteo F1 World Champ

    Aug 1, 2002
    13,748
    On a plane somewhere
    Full Name:
    Heir Butt
    I hope this is not a slam against Carl. He is a great wrench and I would let him rebuild my motor before I let Ferrari service change the oil.

    I have assisted him in the past installing a 348 transmission and clutch. He knows more about these cars then most Ferrari tech's have forgotten.

    BTW - His fchat handle is fatbillybob. The same guy you have praised in the past for his help.
     
  12. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
    Vegas+Alabama
    Full Name:
    Mr. Sideways

    No slam intended. I was trying to convey the message that us plain folks **can** really work on these cars at home.

    My sincere apologies if my message to its intended audience (the $6,800 clutch poster) hurt any feelings outside that audience.

    FBB saved me $1,600 this week alone with his advice on how to handle a bearing noise with grease first rather than blindly replacing a half-shaft. He rocks!
     
  13. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
    Vegas+Alabama
    Full Name:
    Mr. Sideways

    Can you walk through how you obtained such outstanding pricing?!

    Where and from whom did you find a new Throw Out bearing for $250?? I was apparently under the misconception that TOB's ran $800, only available from Ferrari, but now I've already been shown that Ricambi can deliver them for $420 and you have somehow found an even lower price (one presumes for new).

    Likewise, where did you send your worn clutch pack, and how long did it take to get it back? Your $300 price for a clutch rebuild sounds very attractive, so those details would help all 348 owners, I'd think.
     
  14. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    220 EUR <> $250 at your door. It *is* a good price, no question about it. But the math is more like:

    220 EUR = $260 USD
    Shipping = $45 USD minimum
    Duty 25% on a bearing = $50 (unless you slide it through customs illegally)


    Total $355 -- approximately.


    ALSO... the 348 clutch isn't $1600. It's $790 if you don't want the flywheel: http://ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=200442


    Sorry to be so talkative about price... just want to make sure everyone has good working numbers from me!


    -Daniel
     
  15. fana355france

    fana355france Formula Junior
    BANNED

    Aug 10, 2005
    284
    France
    Full Name:
    nicolas
  16. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
    Vegas+Alabama
    Full Name:
    Mr. Sideways
    You rock, Daniel! I paid more than $790 for a new Chevy clutch 15 years ago. Seriously.

    Nice breakdown of the pricing on the other parts, too. $50 for an import duty on a bearing...who woulda thunk it?!

    So, $790 for a new clutch pack (possibly even as little as $400 to your door for a rebuilt clutch). $355 to $420 for the throw out bearing...and only $2,700 for a new flywheel?!

    Those are great prices. Surely that's a vastly better way to go than paying $6,800.
     
  17. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    Mistake (I'll admit it!)

    I quoted the incorrect duty rate on bearings. The rate is 2.5% according to Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (2005) - Supplement 1, for class 8708.99.8080.

    The correct math should be:

    220 EUR = $260 USD
    Shipping = $45 USD minimum
    Duty 2.5% on a bearing from GB = $7 (unless you slide it through customs illegally)


    Total $312 -- approximately.


    My apologies.
     
  18. Jeff Pintler

    Jeff Pintler Formula Junior

    Jul 20, 2005
    537
    Richland
    Full Name:
    Jeff Pintler
    It is really easy to replace the clutch and t/o bearing, I've done both of my cars. My 348 had a dual disc and the previous owner just replaced the disc closest to the pressure plate since it wears the most. What happens on the dual disc version is dust gums up the splines and doesn't allow the disc to completely back away from the pressure plate, so it wears the most. You can measure the discs and you may only need one. The t/o bearing squeals because the dust can contaminate the bearing or like my TR, the carrier broke and all the balls fell to the bottom and jamed. The seals for the clutch slave are very inexpensive but there are several (including o-rings) on mating surfaces. I talked to a couple of places and the thinking was the effort and tolerences mean the new friction material isn't practical. Plus I figure I save so much by doing the work myself, I can get new parts. Be sure to check/replace/lube the pilot bushing. Good Luck!

    Jeff Pintler
    89 348tb, 86TR
     
  19. AR!

    AR! Formula Junior

    Apr 8, 2004
    981
    Berlin, Germany
    I sent the clutch set to Nova Kupplungen. Other options would have included LuK and Sachs, but the guy from Nova I spoke to seemed to be the most competent. Normally they just swap the clutches, so this a next-day business. However, they don´t carry Ferrari parts on stock so it took 4 days to get the clutch back. I´m pretty sure that there is a number of similar companies in the US.

    www.nova-kupplung.de

    I ordered the TO bearing at www.italparts.de However they seem to be a very small business as answer to inquiries is normally very slow. It was the first time I purchased a part from them.
     

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