996 stiff clutch, please help
Discussion
Dropped my car off for a service at the OPC and asked them to check the clutch pedal since it was a bit stiff. It has been this way since I bought at the same OPC with 9,500 miles (now has 15,500) but did not notice since that was the only one I drove.
They have just called me to say yes its stiff which means the clutch is going, what????
Is that true, can not imagine the clutch went that fast considering it was that way when I picked up the car?
Thoughts please?
They have just called me to say yes its stiff which means the clutch is going, what????
Is that true, can not imagine the clutch went that fast considering it was that way when I picked up the car?
Thoughts please?
Could be anything from a problem with either the master or slave hydraulic cylinders to a lack of lubrication on the pedal spindle. But if the clutch isn't slipping then I'd certainly not jump to the conclusion that it's the fault of the friction/spring plate assembly.
But then they are the OPC so they know best. Will it be repaired under warranty, in which case does it matter if they're right or not? They could take advantage of the situation to do the RMS at the same time!
But then they are the OPC so they know best. Will it be repaired under warranty, in which case does it matter if they're right or not? They could take advantage of the situation to do the RMS at the same time!

RMS is fine so I need to pay for the clutch.
This just does not seem right to me, its been stiff since I got it with 9k on the clock and it has not changed over time. I can not imagine the only answer to a stiff pedal is a worn clutch.
Most of the Miles have been long runs, Le Mans for example. I am not the burn out type and dont gun it off the line, prefer high speed blasts.
there has got to be something other than clutch ware.
This just does not seem right to me, its been stiff since I got it with 9k on the clock and it has not changed over time. I can not imagine the only answer to a stiff pedal is a worn clutch.
Most of the Miles have been long runs, Le Mans for example. I am not the burn out type and dont gun it off the line, prefer high speed blasts.
there has got to be something other than clutch ware.
The problem is that the car is with them already, otherwise I'd suggest going to a reputable independent for a second opinion.
If time/hassle is not a major issue, maybe get the service done but not the clutch, then take it elsewhere to get the clutch replaced more cheaply IF necessary? Don't know if this would affect your warranty, but then how are the OPC to know that you've had it done if you don't tell them?
Either way, I'd certainly want them to explain to me how a heavy but non-slipping clutch leads them to the conclusion that it needs replacing, when there could be so many other reasons for a heavy clutch action.
If time/hassle is not a major issue, maybe get the service done but not the clutch, then take it elsewhere to get the clutch replaced more cheaply IF necessary? Don't know if this would affect your warranty, but then how are the OPC to know that you've had it done if you don't tell them?
Either way, I'd certainly want them to explain to me how a heavy but non-slipping clutch leads them to the conclusion that it needs replacing, when there could be so many other reasons for a heavy clutch action.
IMHO, it WILL NOT be wear. It may be picking up on the shaft, but wear would usually be symptomised by excessive pedal travel, a low "bite" or slippage. As it's not giving these symptoms and the mileage is low I would rule out wear.
As it's hydraulic, the problem isn't the old one of a frayed cable, so my money would be on a partial seizure of a mechanical component either in the pedal box or the release mechanism.
It wouldn't hurt to politely explain that you find their explanation very unusual considering the symptoms and you will be wanting to inspect any failed parts for yourself.
Edited to add:
If it's clutch wear, it's very easy to prove or disprove. Simply measure the friction plate against manufacturers tolerances. These should be easy enough to find. If the friction plate is contaminated with oil, it's a warranty problem.
>> Edited by BliarOut on Thursday 10th March 09:42
As it's hydraulic, the problem isn't the old one of a frayed cable, so my money would be on a partial seizure of a mechanical component either in the pedal box or the release mechanism.
It wouldn't hurt to politely explain that you find their explanation very unusual considering the symptoms and you will be wanting to inspect any failed parts for yourself.
Edited to add:
If it's clutch wear, it's very easy to prove or disprove. Simply measure the friction plate against manufacturers tolerances. These should be easy enough to find. If the friction plate is contaminated with oil, it's a warranty problem.
>> Edited by BliarOut on Thursday 10th March 09:42
What's more, if the thread the other day was correct, they'll routinely replace the RMS while they're in there, managing therefore to do it at your cost because of the "worn" clutch. That's a positive thing in terms of the car's reliability for you, but it's also a positive thing for Porsche GB's wallet...a bit sneaky.
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