Focus St170 gearbox/clutch advice

[5RedLights]

Hi

I've got a ST170 that needs a gearbox change. The garage commented that the clutch pedal felt a little bit heavy, so I might as well change the clutch too. However, the clutch is fine, there's no slipping or judder changing gear. I've read that the ST170 clutch pedal can sometimes feel a little heavy and that this isn't unusual.

I'm a bit adverse to changing the clutch as this would also mean having to change the DMF, which pushes the cost up considerably. I know that generally speaking it makes sense, but when the extra parts for the clutch and DMF are likely to be around £400, and labour is only around 4-5 hours, I'm more inclined to just leave the clutch and see if I get another year out of it, then pay for the rest at a later date. Car has done 106k miles if that's any help.

Just wanted some advice on how much mileage on average you get from the ST170 clutch, whether you always need to change the DMF with the clutch or whether anyone has just done a gearbox change and been fine? The odd thing about the car is that it's not been abused at all and feels and looks solid, it's just a weak gearbox by the look of it.

Thanks!

[Justin S]

At the end of the day, choice is yours, but with the work involved to take the box out, then buying a clutch kit, is relatively cheap and using the old DMF if proved to be sound, maybe the way to go. The clutch could be heavy because of the pressure plate getting tired.

[5RedLights]

True. Anyone on here just done a clutch change and left the old DMF in?

[Matthen]

Doubt it, 4 - 5 hours labour is usually about £300. Cheaper to replace it all.

[Turbofocus]

How would you feel if the clutch and dmf fail and destroy your new gearbox?

[lemonslap]

The clutch on mine is light compared to the wife's Audi S4. While the gearbox is out it would be silly not to replace the clutch and DMF. Just out of interest what has broken in your gearbox and how many miles?