How do I know how long my clutch will last?
Discussion
Every year we do a trip to France, Spain, or somewhere in Europe. we usually do around 2000 miles but have been known to do 3000 on some trips.
Last year we took out family pool car (everyone including the kids use it!) which is a 1998 Toyota Corolla 1.6 which is an immaculate 37,000 mile example which we have had for a couple of years. It had 29,000 on the clock when we bought it, and is one previous owner.
I almost changed the clutch last year before we went, more out of preventative maintenance than anything, as I didn't want it going while we were in Spain... As it happens it was fine. I see these with over 100k on the clock, still on the original clutch, but I don't know how the previous owner drove it...
For me to fit a clutch its a days work, and £70 ish... but I don't really want to do this... Its Considerably more if someone else is doing it in France where we are going this year!
Can anyone think of anyway to tell how much life is left in the clutch, short of removing the gearbox and checking? I guess if I am going that far I would put one in anyway!
Last year we took out family pool car (everyone including the kids use it!) which is a 1998 Toyota Corolla 1.6 which is an immaculate 37,000 mile example which we have had for a couple of years. It had 29,000 on the clock when we bought it, and is one previous owner.
I almost changed the clutch last year before we went, more out of preventative maintenance than anything, as I didn't want it going while we were in Spain... As it happens it was fine. I see these with over 100k on the clock, still on the original clutch, but I don't know how the previous owner drove it...
For me to fit a clutch its a days work, and £70 ish... but I don't really want to do this... Its Considerably more if someone else is doing it in France where we are going this year!
Can anyone think of anyway to tell how much life is left in the clutch, short of removing the gearbox and checking? I guess if I am going that far I would put one in anyway!
redstu said:
What about the water pump? That might be getting a bit old as well. The water pump in my Carina had enough at 7 years and 70000 miles.
Yup, good point. It's not enough just changing the clutch either, you'll need to do the cable or hydraulics too.I usually change the engine before a long trip, just in case it lets me down, and while it's out I replace the drive-shafts, CV joints, brakes and the rear left indicator.
HTH
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