Roly Baldwin

My clutch began to slip recently, 25k and 3 years after it was last replaced. Apparently, oil has found its way onto the friction surfaces.
The flywheel, I'm told, also needs replacing although there are no noises like those mentioned in many posts on the subject. Also, I don't know whether it's on the original flywheel but at 145000km it's probably not.

Has anyone had experience of this repair? What happens if the flywheel isn't replaced? Anybody recommend a cheap parts source in the UK?

I'm being quoted:

Clutch kit 250+vat
DM Flywheel 400+vat
Labour 500-600 (includes replacing the oil pipe from filter to engine which means the exhaust has to come off)
+ Oil pipe, bolts, gaskets, bearings etc.

All in all it comes to GBP1100 for the parts + the labour = GBP1700 (it's never less than the estimate).

Does this seem reasonable? My mechanic reckons 16-20 hours for the job.

Another thing - I have no record of the struts being replaced. The car feels sloppy on roundabouts - any recommendations?

Roly
'90 C4

Adrian

Dear Roly,
A damaged flywheel can also trash the clutch. The oil leak is a bit of a worry. The flywheel has to be checked in accordance with the manual once the transmission is separated from the engine. I think you are up for a few dollars here but you have to go all the way to ensure a longer life.
The time quoted is going to be tight. It will depend a lot on what they find once the engine and transmission are removed and split apart.
There are no "cheap" parts for this job I am afraid. Maybe a "cheap" clutch was installed last time. However you do have to wait until the items themselves can be inspected. It may well be the just oil leak which is causing the problem.
Good luck and please keep us informed.
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4

Christer

Roly

If you are in Epsom, I would consider taking the car to <a href="http://www.jzmachtech.com" target="_blank">www.jzmachtech.com</a> - I use them myself and I live in Croydon. At least give them a call and see what they can do. Their labour charge is around £38 per hour - maybe you can save some money that way?

Let us know how you get on.

Christer

DaveK

Hi,
It sounds a little pricey. I was warned a few months ago that my clutch was probably not going to last forever, and I was told to budget £900 for a C4. I wouldn't be happy if it's double that when the time comes - although I don't think that included the flywheel. Do you know how your mechanic knew it needed replacing without taking anything apart?

Where do you take your car? As Christer said, JZM are very good - I take mine to GT-One and it was them that told me to budget £900.

I would at least talk to one or other of these companies and see if they agree with the quote your mechanic has given. Let us know the results - I need to know if I should budget £2K for the day my clutch dies not £1K!

Dave
90 C4

George Stevens

[quote] All in all it comes to GBP1100 for the parts + the labour = GBP1700 (it's never less than the estimate). <hr></blockquote>

Roly

Sounds about right, I had a clutch, slave cylinder and single plate flywheel replaced late last year and the bill was £1750 including VAT

George Stevens

By the way the last flywheel and clutch lasted 40,000 kms

Roly Baldwin

Thanks for your responses.

I didn't expect the quote would be wildly out but I live in hope.

The garage I use was recommended to me by a friend when I bought the car. The guy that runs it owns a 911 but does not trade as a Porsche specialist as such.

He's been pretty good value over the years but it's sometimes difficult to know exactly what I'm paying for; he's not yet got that customer service oriented view that JZM appear to have (judging by their website).

JZM, by the way, are quoting GBP1000 for a new clutch alone. This makes me a lot happier about my quote now since it includes the new flywheel plus the oil pipe job, which, I'm told, requires removal of the exhaust pipe, new gaskets etc.

I've also found a cheaper supplier for the parts - <a href="http://www.type-911.co.uk." target="_blank">www.type-911.co.uk.</a> Does anybody have any experience of them?

Now for the best part. My insurance renewal came through today. GBP 1400. This is with 7 years no claims. I got a better quote (1070) from Performance Marque, whose policy also includes track day cover and Porsche Club GB ownership.

Then I rang the last company on the list and they quoted me GBP 580. This policy is limited to 6000 miles - which is about what I do a year. What a result. Saving over 800 makes me feel much happier about the work I need doing.

You know, I don't always go on about money - sometimes I talk about my car too.

Cheers,
Roly

greg1234

Roly, who was the last company on the list?

Brad

Yes, might be a bit off topic but very interested in the insurance company name!

Roly Baldwin

The insurance broker is Jardine Faber - the insurance is provided by Royal & Sun Alliance.

Jardine Faber's number is 01604 639011

Hope they can help,
Roly