So my clutch is going...

BadBong · Postby **BadBong** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 2:34 pm

ok, it's official.

After visiting Stu at Spinning Wheels yesterday, he has confirmed that the clutch is going to go relatively soon. (He's fantastic btw!)

I've read a few of the past posts here and it seems that a Exedy Sports Tuff Clutch kit, an oil change and maybe change any other related parts that are worn out would be what I'm looking at.

If anyone has any other suggestion, please enlighten me :idea:

as i'm just looking for a clutch that lasts longer and has the same feel or maybe a bit lighter than the OEM.

As for the mechanic to go to, I'm thinking of giving Mania a try but they're just too far away. The fact that I don't have a 2nd car also cause me a headache (how long does it take to change a clutch btw? same day? 2 days?) If anyone has another mechanic that they can recommend who's closer to the city or the East, that'll be great.

Last but not least, 2 side questions:

1) I'm planning a road trip to QLD in late July. Given that the clutch is wearing out (atm if i'm doing 40kms on 3rd and i fully step on the accelerator, it'll slip), should i change the clutch before I go on this trip? or can it last till I come back?
2) A friend of mine always wanted to learn how to drive manual and I'd thought that this would be a good chance for him to just use my car since the clutch is going to go anyways. My only question is, is it possible for a manual-newbie to do any permanent damage other than wearing the clutch out even more?

P.S. I have decided to ditch my mechanic since i've discovered that there was 21kms done to my car whilst it was in their workshop for a routine service... (a BIT excessive?) and that the clutch problem only started after this service... so i don't even want to guess what they've done to my clutch during the joy ride.

Many thanks... :wink:

RawSouth · Postby **RawSouth** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 2:47 pm

For a mechanic, you could try TT Auto Services... Formally a forum sponsor

Or, depending on how South you are willing to travel, you could try ISMR.

I have heard good things about both of them

WASP · Postby **WASP** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 6:40 pm

Go to www.npcperformance.com.au ,they make a HD unit with a larger diameter dríven plate,more clamping area,using Excedy parts.I have one with 190rwp and no problems.Similar price to Excedy

Old Dude · Postby **Old Dude** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 7:32 pm

I personally would change the clutch before you come to QLD, the last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the free way with no drive, and then have someone unknown along the way have to fit a new clutch :frown:

cheers
Dale

fattima · Postby **fattima** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 9:39 pm

Replace it before you go. If it starts slipping on it will ruin your trip and can easily overheat your flywheel causing cracking and more expense to fix.

BadBong · Postby **BadBong** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:43 am

Sounds good WASP - does that 'modified' version feel heavier than the OEM?

Does anyone know whether changing a clutch is a 'same-day' job?

BadBong · Postby **BadBong** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:48 am

ok... just realised that NPC is in QLD.

Looks like it's Mania for the clutch change then...?

SuperMazdaKart · Postby **SuperMazdaKart** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 1:46 am

Usually a two day job requiring an overnight stay for the car. Like I always write, I'd suggest Xtreme Clutch since it's aussie made. These clutch threads seem to be coming up a bit lately..

The heavy duty organic clutches aren't much heavier to push down at all, & I actually think it's not worthwhile to go with another standard clutch. I went with a replacement standard clutch in my NA6, kinda wish I hadn't though in hind sight now that I've tried a HD one.

BadBong · Postby **BadBong** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:30 am

the Xtreme Clutch is more expensive isn't it?

SuperMazdaKart · Postby **SuperMazdaKart** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 2:51 pm

Was actually less costly then the Exedy when I got quoted for them both for the Familia GTR.

Most Chinese made underwear was cheaper then the Aussie made Bonds stuff too. Well, we know what happened there now.

DaveWA · Postby **DaveWA** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 3:28 pm

949 racing

wun911 · Postby **wun911** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 3:55 pm

1 change the clutch before you go, you will enjoy driving the car so much more.

2 Don't let your friends drive your car and don't let newbs anywhere near the car.

Exeedy Sports Tuff is a good clutch. It's easy to push the pedal down lots of engagement and feel. I have had one for around 50 k km now, highly recomended for a daily driver.

Get the lightend flywheel if you can, you get used to it very quickly and more fun to drive.

Clutch install is a one day job. We nubes can install a clutch in one day on ramps in a backyard, so a pro mech with a lift should do it in half a day

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 5:12 pm

Agree with the others on getting it changed before a trip.

Clutches wear out over time and this is influenced by the way the vehicle is dríven. Clutches that are ridden or treated harshly can wear out quickly.Technique needs to be learned from someone who knows what a good sympathetic gear change is all about.

If your car is dríven "normally" an hd clutch is not necessary. I would expect that clutch effort will increase std versus hd by virtue of heavier duty springs. A std clutch will be cheaper. A fitter will replace as a kit pressure plate clutch plate thrust bearings etc and reface the flywheel. The OE clutch maker is Exedy and you would expect them to be good quality since they are made by a major international component maker to OEM standards.

A clutch takes around 8 hours to fit maybe a little less but a fitter who is often juggling work will likely want it for 2 days. Fitting a lightened flywheel I think is not a good idea - torque is important for day to day driving.

Get quotes for a clutch - fitters doing only clutches and brakes should be on the list and you can then bench mark to other specialists.

de Bounce · Postby **de Bounce** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 7:52 pm

wun911 wrote:Clutch install is a one day job. We nubes can install a clutch in one day on ramps in a backyard, so a pro mech with a lift should do it in half a day

Agree with wun911
If 3 novices using hand tools can do it in a day, a pro or 2 using rattle guns, hoists and transmission trolleys should be able to do it a lot quicker.
Having a look on the Xtreme Clutch Site HERE who quote 2.9 hours to replace.
Might take a little more time to if the flywheel needs machining.

They may add an "O-shite" factor for when things go wrong.

There is nothing special about replacing a MX5 clutch, therefore any competent mechanic should be able to do it.
Finding a competent mechanic is the hard part.