Groundhog Day - Gallardo clutches?

[Mosi]

People,

Like many a Gallardo Owner, the fear of God strikes me whenever the word 'clutch' is mentioned! - however, since having a Type E clutch fitted (under warranty I might add) at 10k miles I am still going strong in the clutch dept! (15k miles now).

I dont really abuse my clutches as a rule, therefore I'm just after a few other Gallardo Owners views/experiences on the latest version clutch ?

How long have I got until the swiss cheese plates are pooped again ?

Thanks in advance

[v-neo]

28,000 miles and still going strong (egear) with E version clutch, I'll be happy if I see another 2K out of this clutch and hope my experience helps to show those who love to complain that just because some early owners had an issue, its been resolved.

Simon

[Mosi]

Bloody Hell! - thats encouraging to hear, thanks for the info.

Have you had any other issues during your 28k miles ?

[cummingsa]

[redacted]

[stefan1]

Agreed. Not sure what revision version I have (the car is March 2005), but last year at 7,500 miles, the clutch was reported as only 20% worn, giving a projected lifespan, assuming similar use, of over 30,000 miles, which seems very reasonable.

Whilst I know early clutches were weak, and the revisions have improved longevity, the biggest factor as ever is the quality of the driver's shift - well matched revs (especially when driving hard at high revs), pulling away on the throttle only, etc will make a lot of difference. I've just taken delivery of a Carrera GT, and it's the same deal - abuse the clutch and it's gone in a few thousand (for one or two I know of, even a few hundred miles ), treat it carefully and it will last tens of thousands (there is one car in the UK per OPC Reading with 30,000 miles plus on the original clutch).

Kind regards

Steve

[v-neo]

I’m pleased to say it’s the most hassle free 28,000 miles I’ve ever clocked up, no issues. Even the SL55 had a few problems, big oil leak, roof failed once, but the Gallardo as been perfect and still looks like new.

I’ve also never encountered a dealer network that enjoys so much respect form the customers. Personally I used Manchester; the whole team just can’t be faulted, while you constantly hear good reports about London, High Wicks, etc.

Simon

[EIH]

so just how do you treat the clutch well? Or is that a stupid question....when driving i much preferred the manual to the E-gear, the car had so much more feel to me. So how should it be shifted to be kind to the box?

[stefan1]

EIH said:

so just how do you treat the clutch well? Or is that a stupid question....when driving i much preferred the manual to the E-gear, the car had so much more feel to me. So how should it be shifted to be kind to the box?

Fairly simply stuff really. Avoid using much, if any throttle, when pulling away. In most cars, people tend to apply gas and then engage the clutch. But in the G. (or any powerful car), the best approach is engage the clutch and get the car rolling without throttle - that way minimising slip from rest.

When on the move, match revs properly, particularly on downshifts. So, blip the throttle, or used sustained revs, to ensure when the clutch is re-engaged there is again minimal slip.

The biggest thing to avoid is high levels of slip from rest (eg, a poor attempt at a quick getaway), or a powershift, when the gas is reapplied too soon and hard before the clutch is full engaged on an upshift. You then have a lot of power being transmitted into the clutch plate and it will overheat very quickly indeed.

Bottom line, do everything to minimise clutch slip.

[crikeymikey]

EIH said:

so just how do you treat the clutch well? Or is that a stupid question....when driving i much preferred the manual to the E-gear, the car had so much more feel to me. So how should it be shifted to be kind to the box?

Steve's right. And in the case of a Lambo the consequence of excessive clutch slip (due to poor technique) is compounded by the extra inertia of the 4 wheel drive.

The majority of early clutch problems ('03 and some '04 MYs) were with the "flappy stick" models, the finger of suspicion being quickly pointed at drivers trying to show off by dumping the clutch whilst stationary, expecting a nice flare of revs, chirp of tyres and impressive getaway. What usually happened instead was... a brief flare of revs, a scream from the clutch, the stench of burnt clutch lining in the cabin.

As usual, quite a few speculators got into the market when the Gallardo came out. The intention being to hoon about for a bit and then shift the car. Driving like a plonker would be par for the course.

Genuine failures did happen,hence the upgrades, but were VERY rare.

It's been a VERY long time since I heard of a clutch failure from a Gallardo and I would only be cautious if the car was low mileage and '03 or '04. Even then, I'd factor in the cost of an 'E' clutch and stop worrying, chances are the original will still be fine anyway and you've got a spare into the bargain.

It's tempting to say "If you can't afford a few Grand for clutch you're out of your depth, sonny"... but that would be missing the point.

Supercars have never been for the faint of heart.. or wallet.

Mosi[b/]. Enjoy your G!