jz1976

Hi there,

This morning my 2006 997 C4s with 50,000 miles did something odd. I started it up as usual and shifted into reverse no problem. When I let out on the clutch it started rolling but made a weird mechanical popping noise/clunk. It still reversed for a bit but there was a shudder in the pedal.

I stopped, and took it out of reverse. Pushed the clutch pedal back in and it wouldn't go into any gear. The gears ground when trying reverse.

What am I looking at, full clutch replacement? It wouldn't be the transmission as the gears are turning? What is the going rate for a clutch replacement and, since it is opened up anything I might as well do?

Type_LT

Does the clutch pedal feel any different?

jz1976

No. Clutch pedal feels exactly the same. Doesn't go to floor or feel squishy.

semicycler

Sometimes the shift cables break or pop off the end on the transmission. You would probably notice a floppy shifter in east/west or north/south direction if the cable broke. You could verify the ends are still attached to the transmission - might need to remove one or more of the undertrays though.

Next most likely is the clutch pressure plate, possible broken fingers because of the pop sound you describe. The fix is a new clutch and bearing at a minimum. Hopefully the flywheel is still good. Don't start the car, get it towed. If there is a broken finger rattling around between the clutch and the flywheel it will mess up the flywheel.

The unlikely cause is something internal to the transmission. The 997 tranny is pretty robust so I wouldn't jump to this scenario right away.

If the tranny is dropped for the repair, look to have the rear main seal replaced unless it is absolutely dry. It's a common oil leak point.

jz1976

Thanks!! I'm in Minnesota-- Auto Edge the best place to do the work?

semicycler

iMola Motorsports is my go-to place. One of the Cars & Coffee sponsors too. Cheaper than the dealer but still on the higher side for an indy. But they do get all the exotic/supercar business in the Twin Cities. Pcars are in good hands there.

WeooHuh

Can you get into gear with the engine off? If you can; put it in first and try to drive a little... if that's possible then it's probably the pressure plate that failed.

jz1976

Update. The collective was right. It was the pressure plate. Flywheel was toast too. Replaced clutch, flywheel, rear driveshaft flex disc (rubber was braking loose), RMS, put two rear tires on and had an alignment. Whew. My bank account and my wife don't like me very much right now.

yvesvidal

The pressure plate is toasted, on the clutch. Common problem on 997.1.
I had a similar issue.

Again, all you need is here, but it is not for the faint of heart: http://murenae.com/FTP_Files/997.1-Clutch-Work.pdf

I would take it to a good indy shop.

Yves

99711mike82

Agreed. Pressure plate is the culprit. Happened to mine at 52K miles and had to replace the clutch. Check out my post on this titled "Shaky clutch pedal".

-Mike in So Cal