tpenta

Hi folks,

As i was driving to work today, the car was behaving just fine. then 20 minutes into the commute, I come to a stop sign and notice my clutch had become very soft and didn't seem to engage properly. I also could not put any gear in!

With a little patience, I put in second and proceeded to drive the car straight to the service center which fortunately was 2 miles away. I had no fluid leaks that I could see and didn't smell anything odd. However, the clutch definitely was very soft and not engaging on the usual spot. I also could not put first gear at all. I drove to the place in all second and third gear. Fortunately, I hit almost all green lights on the way.

I don't know what the situation is yet but will find out soon. I am definitely not happy about it though...

-T

P.S. I can hear my wife now: "Why do you always insist on getting German cars?"

ADias

How many miles? A well driven clutch should last 100k+ miles.

tpenta

The car has 45,000 and I've had it for less than a year. I know I've treated it very well because I've been driving german stick shifts for ~25 years. However, I have no idea how the previous driver treated it.

I had taken it for inspection at both Porsche and a local service place and neither had flagged any issues. My most recent service was in February when I did and oil change and no issues were identified.

But if the clutch goes bad, would it happen so suddenly? Isn't that more of a sign of some clutch fluid leak?

Thanks,

-T

JM993

It sounds like an issue with the hydraulic control of the clutch (slave or clutch master cylinder) despite the fact that you did not see any leaks. That's where your shop will probably start troubleshooting. Anything else requires removal of the transmission.

Good luck,
Joe

ADias

I've heard reports of clutches going bad suddenly.

tpenta

Ok thanks.

Their first reaction was that it may be the hydraulic control and, in fact, that's where they will start looking . If that's the case, i assume that's not a big deal.

I'll post back when I hear. Thanks.

-T

Hella-Buggin'

Sounds pretty close to what just happened to me. Previous owner is who I'm blaming. They also found a bad slave cylinder in the process of replacing the clutch. They said it wasn't completely shot but could account for the sudden soft feeling.
If your a pca member there was a 20% off coupon on the website. Out the door my cost was $1800.

Ecky993

The clutch on my 05 S was replaced @ 46,000 miles, by the previous owner. London car though so maybe heavy traffic stop start etc....now it's in the country having done 16,000 since the change. I hope to get it through 100k without issues...

tpenta

Ok. It's the clutch.

No hydraulic issues found.

Thanks,

-T

ADias

Repair cost?

Make sure they check RMS/IMF.

JM993

bummer

Edgy01

The Carrera does not have a self-adjusting clutch. The Carrera S has a self-adjusting clutch. One of the pitfalls of buying a used car--you never truly know what owners before did.

tpenta

I don't know the price tag yet. I was quoted $1,700 but it depends on the details. Apparently, it was pretty messed up. I'll know the details when I pick it up tomorrow.

You are right, of course. You don't know what you are getting with a used car. I've been surprised a couple of times in the last 8 months. Having said that, I have grown so attached to the car that it's like family -- you accept it with all its problems and nuances...

-T

Kuhan

I think the price charged to fix a Porsche clutch is probably similar to what BMW or Mercedes would ask you for one of their cars. In the end, you have a high performance car with running costs similar to a luxury saloon. What's not to like!

Dave R.

What is self-adjusting about the Carrera S clutch, that isn't on the Carrera clutch?