New clutch for AM V8V 4.3 SS - costs?
Discussion
Dear petrolheads,
after 60k km on my AM V8 Vantage 4.3 with SS I need a new clutch. I am wondering how much a clutch replacement will cost? On the internet I found clutch replacement parts (new clutch plate assembly) for 550 GBP, which seems fair to me. On the other hand on some forums it is mentioned a clutch replacement will be couple of thousand GBP. What is the cost driver then?
Is it worth ordering the parts online, or is the main driver the labour cost and ordering parts online is not a big benefit?
Thanks for your input. J
after 60k km on my AM V8 Vantage 4.3 with SS I need a new clutch. I am wondering how much a clutch replacement will cost? On the internet I found clutch replacement parts (new clutch plate assembly) for 550 GBP, which seems fair to me. On the other hand on some forums it is mentioned a clutch replacement will be couple of thousand GBP. What is the cost driver then?
Is it worth ordering the parts online, or is the main driver the labour cost and ordering parts online is not a big benefit?
Thanks for your input. J
Mine just had a replacement last week (I'm guessing friction plate and "release bearing") - it was about an 8 hour job at the main dealer.
The guesswork above is due to the fact the car had new flywheel & clutch assembly including the release (this seems the norm) only 1000 miles ago but the release bearing decided to let go in grand style week before last, so the friction plate would have been contaminated with hydraulic fluid.
AM apparently say this is a first with this part. Yeah, right.
I am also told that to do the job completely needs access to the diagnostic system as the car's memory has to be cleared down for the old part, so it's not just oily bits.
That, of course, is the "official" line - no idea how accurate it is.
The guesswork above is due to the fact the car had new flywheel & clutch assembly including the release (this seems the norm) only 1000 miles ago but the release bearing decided to let go in grand style week before last, so the friction plate would have been contaminated with hydraulic fluid.
AM apparently say this is a first with this part. Yeah, right.
I am also told that to do the job completely needs access to the diagnostic system as the car's memory has to be cleared down for the old part, so it's not just oily bits.
That, of course, is the "official" line - no idea how accurate it is.
jarodw said:
or is the main driver the labour cost and ordering parts online is not a big benefit?
Indeed, 8-9hrs labour to fit it. So find a garage whose labour costs you are comfortable with, and bear in mind many garages will refuse, rightly in my opinion, to fit parts you supply. How can they warranty their work in that situation?Ring a few AM specialist indies and a few main dealers, there are a lot of them about these days and get their prices.
If the car is a keeper or a long-termer, consider the Bamford Rose uprated twin-plate clutch - it'll last far longer than a single plate AM replacement and feels MUCH nicer to use as it comes with a lightweight flywheel - engine revs far more freely and it is much lighter to use.
yeti said:
Indeed, 8-9hrs labour to fit it. So find a garage whose labour costs you are comfortable with, and bear in mind many garages will refuse, rightly in my opinion, to fit parts you supply. How can they warranty their work in that situation?
Fair point. I will check with my dealer, but anyhow it seems the main cost driver are the labour costs. Another question: I tried to perform the clutch learning procedure this morning, like following:1) turn ignition
2) turn off aircon
3) press start button
4) wait 10 to 15 seconds
I performed these steps several times, but I did not hear the clicking sound coming from under the car. What did I do wrong?
Thanks, J
jarodw said:
Fair point. I will check with my dealer, but anyhow it seems the main cost driver are the labour costs. Another question: I tried to perform the clutch learning procedure this morning, like following:
1) turn ignition
2) turn off aircon
3) press start button
4) wait 10 to 15 seconds
I performed these steps several times, but I did not hear the clicking sound coming from under the car. What did I do wrong?
Thanks, J
You need to have the footbrake depressed and held down through the procedure.1) turn ignition
2) turn off aircon
3) press start button
4) wait 10 to 15 seconds
I performed these steps several times, but I did not hear the clicking sound coming from under the car. What did I do wrong?
Thanks, J
Turn aircon off first,then ignition.
from the Frequently Asked Questions Wiki
V8 Vantage:
Sportshift 1 (ASM1) Whilst generally good and liked by owners with it they do need a clutch learn occasionally to get the best / smoothest gear change
From cold and with the air conditioning turned off, foot on brake and start car, hold brake for 10 secs or so until you hear the clutch 'click'. Switch off and then repeat the process 3 or 4 times. The immediate difference is how much smoother it became at slow speeds, for instance manoeuvring in tight spaces in now a lot easier than when it would lurch forward before.
see this thread:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
from the Frequently Asked Questions Wiki
V8 Vantage:
Sportshift 1 (ASM1) Whilst generally good and liked by owners with it they do need a clutch learn occasionally to get the best / smoothest gear change
From cold and with the air conditioning turned off, foot on brake and start car, hold brake for 10 secs or so until you hear the clutch 'click'. Switch off and then repeat the process 3 or 4 times. The immediate difference is how much smoother it became at slow speeds, for instance manoeuvring in tight spaces in now a lot easier than when it would lurch forward before.
see this thread:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
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