Clutch Replacement Advice
 

Today I took my car in to the dealership to address my 5th gear grind issue, the service adviser suggested that I look into replacing my clutch and flywheel (can't remember if he mentioned anything else) to take advantage of the labor if they end up replacing the transmission. This is my first standard car, so I don't know the symptoms of needing to replace the clutch and flywheel? I never noticed any issues with it as far as slipping or engagement. I asked him how much the parts would be and he told me to just go online and research them (OEM), I thought that was a little strange. I just don't know if I should replace it now and save money (not sure what the labor costs would be?) or wait if this isn't a part that fails soon after 48k miles.

Clutch is a consumable part, like brake pads. It's your choice. It also depends on how much extra they will charge on top of initial issue.

If you drive the car in a way that limits friction wear on the clutch it should last you the life for the car. If you ride the clutch it's likely you will burn it out at some point. If you are going to replace it I would recommend an aftermarket CSC to prevent having that failure in the future because it will happen at some point. Also if you are just going back in with a stock clutch and you didn't fry the old one it's likely that your flywheel is still fine and I wouldn't replace it just to go back with an OEM one.

Do you have any performance mods?

I was under the assumption that when they drop the transmission they replace the CSC? Idk if the dealership will install an aftermarket park on warranty work? I don't ride the clutch and don't launch or anything like that, I've slipped it bad like once or twice. No, all I have are intakes, I don't plan on doing anything to major, maybe an exhaust and tune later on.

They'll replace it with a new one.

But buy a heavy duty one from Joe@ZSpeed. Tell him Andrew DE.50 sent you. He's also a REALLY a good resource for aftermarket clutches and flywheels

You asked him how much the parts would be because you were curious or because you have to pay for them? You mentioned warranty. If it's warranty,they will probably just install the oem parts. Don't know if they would accept aftermarket under warrenty.

How many miles on the car?

Depending if it goes through, my transmission will be replaced under warranty (5th gear grinding), so since they're going to remove the transmission anyways, he was giving me a heads up on whether or not I wanted to replace the clutch and flywheel, I pay for the parts, but save on on labor costs since the transmission is already being replaced. I'm guessing they won't care what parts I choose (clutch and flywheel), since I'm buying them. I re read my last post and see where I was confusing, oops. 48k miles

I would have him give you his opinion once it was out. Since he's only looking to gain maybe a half hour of labor time changing the clutch there's little reason for him to deceive you I would think. But stranger things have happened. Is he suggesting you buy the clutch kit through him?

Ok so they're gonna go through with the warranty work, so today he called and asked me what I wanted to do, I asked how much it was gonna be and he told me 2300 for clutch, flywheel (has to be replaced due to some reason), fluid and some bushing. I wasn't expecting it to be that much, he went on to say I should probably do it....blah blah blah....he has a 350 and his had to be replaced and he wish he could've had a deal like this. Anyways, I asked what anyone with common sense would ask, can you look at it and tell me what you think (can trust him? ��) and if it needs to be replaced. I didn't ask if they would install an aftermarket one, I'll ask when I go by today.

For $2300 run!!! That's a raping.

I got my entire upgraded aftermarket clutch/flywheel/HD CSC/OEM CMC and labor $1700-1800.

:eekdance: he said the flywheel was like 1200 alone or something, ya didn't seem right, I saw a flywheel and clutch for like 700 on another post.

From Z1
$744 - Flywheel/Clutch
$325 - HD CSC
$110 - OEM CMC
$18 - RBF 600 Fluid
$1197 and John will probably give you a little break for a package deal

Labor should be 5-6 hrs @ $100/hr

All in high side, $1800

If you are even a decent manual driver your clutch should last another 40K I would think. I had a Honda that I put 120K on, and the original clutch was just starting to slip a little when I sold it. Of course it didn't have near the power of the Z, but I think our clutches are pretty stout. I'd save the cash and just drive sensibly.

When mine was pulled for the turbo install (43k) the clutch was still in perfect condition.

Does anyone know if the stock flywheel can be turned? Or it absolutely has to be replaced anytime you replace a clutch disk?