Do I need a new clutch?

Alan NA8 · Postby **Alan NA8** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 9:40 pm

Apologies, I'm not experienced with manual clutches.. I only need less than 20mm of travel when I depress the clutch to engage a gear.. Am I close to needing a new one, if so, what after market clutch should I choose? I intend to do track/club days with my car.. The car is a '97 NA8.

Thanks

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 10:03 pm

It could simply be be a clutch pedal free play adjustment problem or a (less simply) worn clutch. You'd need to take it to a competent mechanic or clutch and brake specialist for assessment. What's your location?

Kain · Postby **Kain** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 10:36 pm

If the clutch engagement point has suddenly decreased, you could have a leak in the clutch hydraulics. The usual suspect for that is the clutch slave cylinder. If that's what's happened, and you've only got 20mm of play left, you could lose the clutch altogether almost any time. Check your clutch fluid (the little master cylinder near the intake manifold), and if there is none fill it with brake fluid ASAP and get to your mechanic.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:40 pm

Alan NA8 wrote:I only need less than 20mm of travel when I depress the clutch to engage a gear. Am I close to needing a new one...

If I'm reading your post correctly, then no. But like JBT, I think you'll find on most NA8s you needed to depress the clutch further, even all the way to change gear without some baulking.

Clutch slave cylinders are a common consumable on NA & NB, & peeling back the black rubber boot at the front of the slave cylinder is probably the best way to reveal a leak, as some fluid will emerge if leaking. However, don't think the slave cylinder is causing the problem you seem to be describing.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 4:58 pm

the oe maker Exedy have a sports tuff clutch which is readily available- refer clutch and brake people for price quote etc. Clutch free play adjustment is important- buy a Haynes for more info.

Kain · Postby **Kain** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:17 pm

93_Clubman wrote:However, don't think the slave cylinder is causing the problem you seem to be describing.

*facepalm* I didn't read closely enough and got it the wrong way around. I thought it was engaging near the floor, not near the top of its travel. Ignore me