996 stiff clutch, please help
996 stiff clutch, please help
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Discussion

mojorider

Original Poster:

235 posts

283 months

Wednesday 9th March 2005
quotequote all
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?

nel

4,828 posts

265 months

Wednesday 9th March 2005
quotequote all
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!

mojorider

Original Poster:

235 posts

283 months

Wednesday 9th March 2005
quotequote all
No, the OPC says clutch is not war. so I would have to pay. Waiting for some more info from them.

t urbo

218 posts

286 months

Wednesday 9th March 2005
quotequote all
Douglas,

I dont see how it needs a new clutch already, not unless uve been doing countless standing starts with it.

mojorider

Original Poster:

235 posts

283 months

Wednesday 9th March 2005
quotequote all
No burn outs just good hard driving

big.bad.wolfie

910 posts

264 months

Wednesday 9th March 2005
quotequote all
Mine was at 22k and went in for it's RMS the OPC then 'informed' me that the clutch only had 1k miles left (probably ok for 5k) but I replaced it anyway because the labour charge will be absorbed by the warranty RMS replacement.

mojorider

Original Poster:

235 posts

283 months

Thursday 10th March 2005
quotequote all
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.

nel

4,828 posts

265 months

Thursday 10th March 2005
quotequote all
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.

BliarOut

72,863 posts

263 months

Thursday 10th March 2005
quotequote all
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

nel

4,828 posts

265 months

Thursday 10th March 2005
quotequote all
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.