Clutch Problems

[Gorgon]

Seems it's almost time to get a new clutch installed but I wanted to ask some questions here before getting it changed. My clutch has recently started to "slip" but it only does it occassionally, like when first starting from a dead stop. There is a breif spot where it seems like it slips and then catches and there are no problems once I'm rolling. Does this sound like a clutch problem? I topped off the hydraulic fluid and it helped as it was low but it's starting again.

If it's clutch replacement time how much am I looking at? I understand the rear of the car needs to come out to get it replaced and I assume I'll need an alignment when it's all put back together? Recommendation on parts? C5 Z06 clutch? For the same money should I look at other clutches? I'd appreciate any input.

Leon

 

[Bioscache2]

I'm not there yet but will be soon and am also interested in the advice.

 

[Gorgon]

Interesting... Nobody has had to replace a clutch? :confused

 

[Patrick]

Interesting... Nobody has had to replace a clutch? :confused

Gorgon,
Based on the comments in THIS THREAD, it would seem that clutch replacements, until you get up into the 100,000 miles range, would seem to be rather rare.

We have had some Z06 owners comment on having a "noisy" clutch. (See THIS THREAD), but again, it appears that clutch replacement isn't the norm... yet. As our stable of C5 ages, this may change. You may be doing some trailblazing for us.

You might try sending a PM to C4C5Specialist, and seeing what he's experienced in terms of servicing C5s at his dealership- how many clutch replacements has he seen done, and what sort of cost you may be looking at.

-Patrick

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
There are many variable to replacing a clutch in a C5.
Which clutch will you use??
Are you equipped with long tube headers?, which will increase the labor time to remove the headers to gain access to the clutch.
Others have installed c6 ZO6 clutch components to compliment power increases.
A standard C5 clutch, flywheel, friction disc and pressure plate are sold as assemblies, for around 600 list. Plus you must add in the cost of the slave cylinder/throwout bearing assembly, which MUST be installed at about 175.
Labor times vary with which guide you use, but normally, without any mods, you are looking at about 6 hours to do the clutch, plus the costs of realigning the rear wheels afterwards.
Thats a basic rundown.
ALSO A QUICK TIP, details are critical to the correct installation of a clutch, without problems.
Find someone who absolutely has plenty of experience as it can definately be a problem job for someone who is not versed in C5.
Allthebest, :bang

 

[Gorgon]

Thanks for the response C4C5. I was thinking this job would be much more expensive that what you've generally quoted here by a factor of 2. The car has 119k miles on it so I'm sure it's time for a new one but I don't believe this is the original one so I almost expected it to last longer.

 

[ROCKYQ]

CLUTCH PROBLEMS

HEY GORDON,
HERE IS A LINK LOUIS BARTAY SENT ME, IT WAS VERY HELPFUL WITH FIXING MY CLUTCH PROBLEM. WWW.zfdoc.com. IF YOUR FUID WAS LOW THERE IS A CHANCE YOU HAVE GOTTEN AIR IN THE LINE WHICH COULD BE A SIMPLE PROBLEM AS BLEEDING THE AIR. THEN YOU HAVE TO WONDER WHY WAS THE FLUID LOW SO THERE COULD BE A POSSIBLE LEAK. PUT YOUR HAND UP UNDER THE DASH BEHIND THE CLUTCH PEDAL WHERE THE MASTER CYLINDER SHAFT COMES THROUGH THE FIRE WALL IF YOU FEEL FLUID IT IS YOUR MASTER CLUTCH CYLINDER ANY OTHER LEAKS SHOULD BE VISIBLE.

C/O ROCKYQ
CHECKERED FLAG CORVETTE CLUB
ANNAPOLIS MD.