Is my clutch about to go?

[Erik997]

Recently noticed that the clutch on my 997 occassionally feels stiffer than usual - especially in the mornings the difference is noticeable and sometimes during usual driving. Its only intermittent but definitely there. No slippage though.

Car has only done 19.5k miles and honestly has not been abused. However, it does get used for my daily commute through London's stop/start traffic.

I know that on a Porsche the clutch stiffening can be the first sign of the clutch needing replacement but would be annoyed if this was the case after only 19k miles.

Any way I can check it out other than OPC?

Cheers.

[lightweight]

For a london car thats not to bad I have replaced at 24K and 36K. C4S was at 24K.
Dont feel bad If it was a 360 or any dancing donkey it would be 6-8k and HR Owen would say well done sir 6k on a clutch sir is a good driver;-)

[Paracetamol]

lightweight said:

HR Owen would say well done sir 6k on a clutch sir is a good driver;-)

....now would sir prefer it with or without vaseline

[Schmalex]

Just had mine replced on a 986 at 27k miles...

[Erik997]

Any ideas how much this would cost?

Presume warranty wouldn't cover it but have to admit its a piss poor effort if a car has a 20k first service interval and the clutch doesn't even make it. Only had the car less than 12 months through OPC so would they pick up some of the cost?

Any thoughts?

[Dreammeister]

I doubt very much if the OPC would pick up any of the cost.

Clutch failure due to wear is the OPC's bread and butter... if you can prove a manufacturing defect then you have a chance I guess...

[Vesuvius 996]

Erik997 said:

Any ideas how much this would cost?

Presume warranty wouldn't cover it but have to admit its a piss poor effort if a car has a 20k first service interval and the clutch doesn't even make it. Only had the car less than 12 months through OPC so would they pick up some of the cost?

Any thoughts?

It's a supercar dude.

Not a Focus.

[Erik997]

Vesuvius 996 said:

Erik997 said:

Any ideas how much this would cost?

Presume warranty wouldn't cover it but have to admit its a piss poor effort if a car has a 20k first service interval and the clutch doesn't even make it. Only had the car less than 12 months through OPC so would they pick up some of the cost?

Any thoughts?

It's a supercar dude.

Not a Focus.

No problems with that (I've blown three E46 M3 engines in my time..)

My point was slightly different. You buy an approved used car from an OPC with a 12 month bullet proof warranty. The car is supposed to be totally sorted and at least give you that 12 months of trouble free motoring.

Let's say your clutch goes after 1 month and they claim wear and tear - you'd be pretty pissed off right and expect OPC to fix the situation? Correct?

So... what if after 3 months? 6 months?

I still think if I have to replace the clutch after buying an OPC sourced car after 9 months its a pretty poor effort and I have the right to be at least a bit peeved off.

Or am I wrong?

[WingedTiger]

I agree, and am in sort of the same position but with a slightly cheaper problem. Bought a 996 Targa from an OPc 3 weeks ago and the rear lid wont shut as the mechanism that pulls it in has capput - only targa's have this rear 'hatchback' effect.

Phoned teh OPC and they said bring it in but if its wear and tear its not covered - like you I'd be pretty pi55ed off if anythinng goes within teh first say 6-9 months..surely they check these things out in the 101 point check or whatever teh number is...or do they just hoover the carpets a bit?!

[Ballcock]

Erik997 said:

Any ideas how much this would cost?

Presume warranty wouldn't cover it ....Any thoughts?

Smear a bit of oil between the gearbox and the lump , and bring the car in complaining that it's left a bloody big stain on your newly carpeted garage.

.. And while they're fixing your seal ,ask could they throw a clutch in please

[SunDiver]

It's a Porsche. You're driving it in the daily stop-start London farce. Good innings I'd say...

[Charlie360]

If there's no slippage it sounds more like a slave cylinder or actuator to me - so probably cheaper than a clutch!

[USS Bozeman]

34k miles on my 996TT and going strong on original clutch.
Stick it in a high gear at very low speeds, hit the gas & see if it slips or not.

[deevee]

Ballcock said:

Erik997 said:

Any ideas how much this would cost?

Presume warranty wouldn't cover it ....Any thoughts?

Smear a bit of oil between the gearbox and the lump , and bring the car in complaining that it's left a bloody big stain on your newly carpeted garage.

.. And while they're fixing your seal ,ask could they throw a clutch in please

Top Tip!!

[deevee]

WingedTiger said:

I agree, and am in sort of the same position but with a slightly cheaper problem. Bought a 996 Targa from an OPc 3 weeks ago and the rear lid wont shut as the mechanism that pulls it in has capput - only targa's have this rear 'hatchback' effect.

Phoned teh OPC and they said bring it in but if its wear and tear its not covered - like you I'd be pretty pi55ed off if anythinng goes within teh first say 6-9 months..surely they check these things out in the 101 point check or whatever teh number is...or do they just hoover the carpets a bit?!

Exact same thing happened to mine a couple of years ago - needed to replace the catch - quoted the thick end of £700 to repair (half & half parts vs. labour) but expected it to be covered by the warranty. Got support from the OPC but pushback from the warranty people at first. Anyway, went through the detail of the warranty doc and managed to persuade them that yes, it really WAS covered!

First offer was they'd cover the parts if I coughed for the labour!

Wrote a snotty letter to the central warranty department and they eventually agreed to cover the whole cost - so don't let them fob you off! (assuming you have the warranty of course!)

P.S. - To Eric997 - sorry for hijack, but can confirm the same symptom led me to get a recent clutch replacement - plus the biting point was a lot nearer the top of the pedal travel - over 30K miles on mine though.

Edited by deevee on Friday 1st June 15:21

Edited by deevee on Friday 1st June 15:23