Bad clutch in only 30K miles - possible?
#1
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I've had the car only a few months and bought it CPO. Its a 2006 911S. I took it into service when it was clear the clutch was going bad. Sure enough, they are replacing it, under warranty. My fear is my driving habits were involved - a bad clutch seems highly unlikely otherwise. Its my 3rd porsche and i drove my last (944) over 100K miles, so think i know what i am doing.
Would anyone suspect my driving habits on a car with such low miles to be a factor, or just bad luck? I've never taken a class and was self taught to drive a stick.
Would anyone suspect my driving habits on a car with such low miles to be a factor, or just bad luck? I've never taken a class and was self taught to drive a stick.
#2
Nordschleife Master
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Possible? Yes, due to horrible clutch treatment, possibly by the previous owner? Only you know if you abuse/slip the clutch.
#4
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would be interested - if anyone cares to share - ways to abuse the clutch on these vehicles. again, i ran up 100k+ miles on my last one but would like to avoid an expensive repair on this one. What for example does it mean to "slip the clutch"?
#5
Nordschleife Master
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You are obviously an experienced manual tranny user. Slipping means just that - accelerate while clutch is touching but not fully engaged.
Last edited by ADias; 07-20-2010 at 09:50 PM.
#7
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How much is cost of replacement? Do you also have to do flywheel?
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#8
Burning Brakes
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I'm having my clutch done at the dealer while I type. The pressure plate failed and the other dealer I called (largest dealer in Canada) immediately pinpointed the plate after I described the events leading up to the failure.
I believe that this is a reasonably common issue and although in my case it was a complete failure, partial failure will result in low pressure application and eventually premature failure due to wear.
I am assuming that this is what was found when the car was pulled apart otherwise they would not have covered the part. I know my dealer actually had to send pictures out to prove that the clutch had lots of life left (54,000 KM/ 34,500 Miles).
Ended up changing the pressure plate, clutch disc, release bearing and even flywheel. They also found a faulty slave cylinder. Almost $4K!!
I believe that this is a reasonably common issue and although in my case it was a complete failure, partial failure will result in low pressure application and eventually premature failure due to wear.
I am assuming that this is what was found when the car was pulled apart otherwise they would not have covered the part. I know my dealer actually had to send pictures out to prove that the clutch had lots of life left (54,000 KM/ 34,500 Miles).
Ended up changing the pressure plate, clutch disc, release bearing and even flywheel. They also found a faulty slave cylinder. Almost $4K!!
#9
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Well, it is interesting that this is the third bad clutch-related thread in the last 2 weeks (mine being the first one).
I was told by the mechanic that they they've been "getting a lot of these at around 40k miles".
I am sure driving habbits play a bit role. For instance, my car's previous owner commuted from Orange County to downtown LA everyday on the 405. I would go nuts driving stop-and-go with this car every day.
Having said that, my last 5 BMWs all had near or above 100k miles and I don't ever remember replacing a clutch.
Is it possible that parts/workmanship/engineering may also be at play here?
Just a thought.
-T
I was told by the mechanic that they they've been "getting a lot of these at around 40k miles".
I am sure driving habbits play a bit role. For instance, my car's previous owner commuted from Orange County to downtown LA everyday on the 405. I would go nuts driving stop-and-go with this car every day.
Having said that, my last 5 BMWs all had near or above 100k miles and I don't ever remember replacing a clutch.
Is it possible that parts/workmanship/engineering may also be at play here?
Just a thought.
-T
#10
Poseur
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I routinely get 100,000 plus on a Porsche clutch. It's is all about HOW you drive. Suspect the PO abused it. I'm sitting at 48K now and anticipate good wear for a long time.
#12
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Mine was just replaced at 31k. I blame the PO. I even got a ride along with a local DE instructor to have him critique my clutch work. He said I drove fine. I could improve on my smoothness a bit and consistency but there was no way I burnt the clutch in 5k. All in all it cost me $1800 and the dealer replaced a few other things while under the knife that were covered under warranty. There was a PCA 20% ecoupon going on. Not sure if it's still available but it saved me $200 on parts.
#13
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When you got the car CPO'd what were the read-outs from the DME? Over-revs would certainly tell you how abused the car was if you see lots of 3+ over-revs. Of course it's possible to burn a clutch without blowing shifts or constantly bumping the rev limiter...
#14
Burning Brakes
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How would bumping the rev limiter affect the clutch wear? Unless you're simply implying that someone who over-revs and hits the limiter probably can't drive well and (probably) abuses the clutch.
Just not sure that over revs have a direct co-relation to excessive wear on a clutch.
I still think that faulty pressure plates account for some of the early wear although poor driving habits are more likely overall. The dealer and a reputable Porsche gear box specialist have confirmed that it's fairly common (as far as automotive component breakage goes).
Just not sure that over revs have a direct co-relation to excessive wear on a clutch.
I still think that faulty pressure plates account for some of the early wear although poor driving habits are more likely overall. The dealer and a reputable Porsche gear box specialist have confirmed that it's fairly common (as far as automotive component breakage goes).
#15
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If somebody is dumping the clutch, abusing the car, banging off the rev limiter all the time, missing shifts and causing range 6 over-revs, it might explain driving habits and why a clutch needs to be replaced at only 30k miles. If you are investigating why, then this is one area where you can easily explore - just look at the DME readout. Of course the car may have been babied and it's a mechanical defect.