Clutch problems, advice please

[mojorider]

Noticed a bit of a slip in the clutch in 4/5th when I get on the power. I think this means a replacement since it is not going away. Any advice, the care is a 98 450 Chim with 42k.

I have been quoted 700-800 for a clutch replacement, is this good?

Who would you use for this in the Reading area?

[angusfaldo]

This is normally how you first notice the clutch is going. Put power down in 5th and watch the revs rise but limited speed increase.

Dave Batty does a clutch for below 700 (I think). So your price sounds about right. He's in Guildford (well near by) so might be a bit out the way for you. then again I wouldn't go anywhere else and I'm in Herts.

[kevinday]

I was also going to recommend David Batty!

[dannyboyo]

Top Cats Reacing in Westcott nr Alysebury are doing mine (amung other bits too), but I think the clutch is about £400 of the bill. This is for a late '95 Chimaera. £700 - £800 sounds a bit pricey to me.

[dictys]

Thames Valley Racetech is just up the road in Sonning Common, I think they charge around £700.

[Ballistic Banana]

If theres no history of having a clutch change before then youve done well at 42k as on average i think they last about 30 (depend on the way u drive).
Mine went at 23k but that was due to an oil seal breaking an pi44ing oil all over the clutch.
Mine was changed at Offords in Cambs about 600-700 green ones.

BB

[muttsnuts]

My Griff 500 is up for a clutch replacement at about 52k ish, she is slipping in 4th and 5th now, the quote from my guy Andy is between £500-600. He has been completely honest and awesome in helping me maintain the car, always giving feedback on stuff that will need replacing further out so I can budget. He is based nr. Haslemere.

[tonyrec]

My Chim did the same last week. Put my foot down in 5th to do a gentle overtake and the revs went up but the road speed didnt. Mines done 38,000 and is still on its original clutch but has been standing for 18months so i think its weak springs as opposed to being completely worn out. Sadly the remedy is the same, new clutch!
Mines getting done on Monday and i cant wait, especially as the nice weather is here.

[beano500]

Ballistic Banana said: .....on average i think they last about 30 .......

(I'm living on borrowed time then!)

[kjr]

Well I have a 1989 400SE with 64000 on the clock and as far as I know it is still the original clutch .

KJR