Need advice please. I purchased an '04 Coupe @ 22 k here in Honolulu and just noticed the clutch slipping at 27k. OK, so the guy I bought it from trashed it. Can't do much about that now. However my Hawaii dealer says the warranty won't cover it and it will cost $2500 to replace. Is this the typical dealer schtick? I'm going to take it to my own mechanic who is competent. Do I use after market parts? Does it make that much of a difference. How much should this really cost to replace? mahalo!

 

It should be parts + 4-500$ for the labor. I suggest you get afthermarket, because there's plenty to choose from. And if you go afthermarket, you should get a flywheel too.

 

Mahalo nui loa (Thanks very much) Cipriot!

 

Why is it out of warranty? Id call their bluff.

 

clutch is only good for 1 year/12k miles--it's a wear item like the brake pads.

 

The problem is that they want to replace your flywheel at the same time. The oem one is a dual-mass unit and can't be resurfaced. They charge ~$1100 just for that part at the dealer. Go with an aftermarket 1pc flywheel and clutch to save yourself a ton. You will have a little clutch chatter but it will rev faster and reduce the rotational mass = more power.

I went through this when the dealer replaced my tranny a year ago. I was able to talk them into doing the clutch and flywheel install for me at the same time.

 

^^+1

 

Mahalo Jonny and ttrank...I've looked at some of the other clutch postings and it seems you can pick up a pretty good aftermarket clutch/flywheel unit between $500-750 so if I add the five bills for labor I should be able to get it done for a reasonable amount...

 

Aftermarket is a lot better then stock...When you choose a pressure plate don't choose something too aggressive or you won't like the engagement of the clutch. You won't have a nice smooth start...Those clutch require and nice quick launch...You would want to get a nice street version so the engagement is not too harsh for everyday driving...

 

Sounds good hai109...got any particular products in mind? I'm not a street racer. Strictly up and down the hill and creeping along the freeways over here (max speed limit officially 55 mph)!

 

Aftermarkets are much noiser so be prepared............maintaining oem as new noise and vibration levels requires oem parts.

 

Thanks Q45...noise is an issue but would it be a factor when the clutch is not engaged? I don't quite get it.

 

Relpacing the clutch/flywheel combination on these cars, does come at a cost. For me, it is worth it, but if noise is a major concern, I would not stray from the OEM--but stock is so expensive, I just couldn't help but spend the same amount for a much better setup.

Sometimes it's quiet, sometimes I get some pretty weird noised from the pressure plate, and of course the "cement mix" noise at idle/low rpms from the lightened flywheel.

When you engage the clutch, the noise goes away--I wish I was smarter, but I dunno why this is--maybe someone else can chime in on the actual dynamics involved.

You definetly lose a little refinement when going aftermarket, but you gain a setup that is more durable and "funner" to drive--but that's just me an mo, as I don't mind turning up the stereo if my windows are open.

BTW, I can barely hear any chatter at idle w/ the windows up, but I can hear/feel the "rumble" from 1800-2000 rpm or so, but I learned to adapt my driving style to minimize it.

It's really a trade-off. Ask yourself what you want to do with the car and if you have later plans to mod it more in the future. Hope that helps.

 

Jonny...that's very helpful. I think a decent aftermarket setup is the ticket. mahalo nui loa

 

no problemo--let us kno how it all turns out for you