V8V Clutch issue. Mechanic in Austin Texas?

[jresudek]

Hi All.

I recently relocated to Austin and don't have a local shop. Any recommendations?

18k miles on the car and the clutch; a 2007 manual V8V. I don't drive it hard (ever), but bought it with 7k miles on it a few years ago.

The issue is a strange one: driving to the local gas station the clutch was perfect, no signs of fade or any issues ever. Pulling away from the station at highway speed, the clutch-feel instantly changed. Now the clutch fully engages very quickly after letting up on the pedal engages quickly, right at the bottom of the throw instead of, as before, gradually over the travel distance of the clutch. The clutch now slips a bit and is intermittently hard to get into first gear rendering the car basically undriveable other than pulling it in/out of the garage.

I can't imagine this could have anything to do with it, but I was messing with removing the exhaust fuse and installed a new battery in the car earlier that day. The car isn't leaking fluid, and the brake/clutch reservoir is still full.

I'm stumped. Every manual car I've ever owned would give me some sign the clutch was fading long before it failed.

Thanks in advance!

[Dewi 2]

My 2009 Vantage had clutch failure at about 17,000 miles, also with almost no warning.
Perhaps the greater power might mean little slipping is noticed, prior to complete failure.
There seems to be an enormous variation in the life of these clutches.
The very high reverse gear ratio is one thing that can cause premature wear.

It sounds as though you might not have much access to knowledgeable independent AM specialists.
In the UK it is a popular to replace the V8V single plate clutch, with a twin plate version. It has several advantages and only one potential downside. However, perhaps it is best if the people doing that modification, have good experience of doing the job.

[john ryan]

It may be a release bearing failure, or a problem with the concentric slave cylinder. Either way, I doubt you have any option but to dismantle to expose the clutch, at which time you might as well replace all components. I have a 2007 V8V with 50K miles and the original clutch, so you have been unlucky.

[Reynardff1600]

When was the last time you bled the clutch line? Try that first. Remember there is plenty of time to spend money. Go with the cheapest and easiest things first.