How will I know, when I need to replace the clutch?
Discussion
I have now 70k km on my V8Vantage with sport-shift and still on the first clutch (though I am not sure if the previous owner had it replaced, but as there is nothing in the service booklet, I assume not). I am wondering when I need to replace the clutch?
Perhaps a stupid questions, but how will I know, when I need to replace the clutch? Sometimes I have this stuttering in slow speeds, but after a clutch re-learn procedure this is all gone. Is there some warning light showing, when I need to replace it? Can the dealer check how much the clutch is worn?
Thanks, J
Perhaps a stupid questions, but how will I know, when I need to replace the clutch? Sometimes I have this stuttering in slow speeds, but after a clutch re-learn procedure this is all gone. Is there some warning light showing, when I need to replace it? Can the dealer check how much the clutch is worn?
Thanks, J
You'll start to notice misbehaviour at the top end first, for example shifts from 3->4 or 4->5 won't perform correctly, and you might start to notice some 'slipping' which is where the revs will pick up without the car engaging and accelerating at the rate you'd expect - when this happens it's really obvious.
stevewushu said:
On a manual when the "bite" is quite high on the clutch pedal, is this also indication of clutch life diminishing?
Apparently yes - although it's possible it might just need an adjustment..? Mine was at the top of its travel according to Adrian at BR... And yep, it was shagged when they took it out. Felt fine to me in use but it wouldn't have survived the upcoming drive to Monaco at the time! Get a grown-up to try it out for you
yeti said:
Apparently yes - although it's possible it might just need an adjustment..? Mine was at the top of its travel according to Adrian at BR... And yep, it was shagged when they took it out. Felt fine to me in use but it wouldn't have survived the upcoming drive to Monaco at the time!
Get a grown-up to try it out for you
I asked the same thing of a main dealer at about 15k miles and they said the pedal sorted itself out pretty much and not to worry about it.Get a grown-up to try it out for you
I now have just shy of 50k on the car so in this instance they were right.
I don't believe there's any surefire way of knowing. The slip test is probably best (get in a high gear at a decent speed - ie under load - drop the clutch and let it back up again quickly and see if it slips...ie you'll hear the revs rise faster than expected).
Murph7355 said:
I don't believe there's any surefire way of knowing. The slip test is probably best (get in a high gear at a decent speed - ie under load - drop the clutch and let it back up again quickly and see if it slips...ie you'll hear the revs rise faster than expected).
I agree; although when it's started to slip you are on borrowed time, they go downhill fast after that!! If the pedal is at the very top of its travel and the car has done 50k miles on its original clutch and I had a continental drive planned... It's a judgement call, all of life is. I wouldn't buy it without a substantial discount for example but there's never any point replacing a clutch that isn't slipping!
Sorry OP my manual clutch question hijacked your thread 
I've never changed the clutch since I owned the car. I've had it since 15k miles. It's now on 54k miles.
Bites at the top-ish. Not had any slippage at any speeds in any gears.
Something tells me 2013 will have a different ending to this story...
What we looking at £2.5k plus the dreaded?
I've never changed the clutch since I owned the car. I've had it since 15k miles. It's now on 54k miles.
Bites at the top-ish. Not had any slippage at any speeds in any gears.
Something tells me 2013 will have a different ending to this story...
What we looking at £2.5k plus the dreaded?
DangerMonkey said:
Or 1.6k or so at bridge mill I think somebody paid in an earlier thread
That was a great deal but can't be compared with the BR unit which has twin plates and comes with a lightened and balanced flywheel. If you're keeping the car, get the Bamford Rose clutch system. jarodw said:
Gents, thanks for your feedback and no worries about the hijacking the thread...
I never had any wrong gear changes as explained by Shmee, so I guess my clutch is still ok…
Without being flippant, make sure you have RAC cover. When they go, they tend not to even engage gear so you really will be stuck wherever you stop. But with no sign of wear yet, enjoy the car I never had any wrong gear changes as explained by Shmee, so I guess my clutch is still ok…
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