Clutch or Slave failure

scotc03 · February 22, 2007

"Something broke" is what the guy at the shop tells me. I am pretty sure that is why I took it there in the first place. Unless you think having to use engine speed shift is not broken.

Evidently the answer is hard to come by since the slave cylinder is internal; so without dropping the transmission it is difficult to tell if it is the slave or the clutch. However, considering I have 115K on it, probably would want to replace both anyways.

So far the three shops here in Austin,Tx that I have called want 950, 980, and 1200 to do the work.

Cost break down for the cheaper two places:

Clutch Kit $378

Slave $178

Labor ~$320-350

Seems pretty high on the parts, but the third place wanted 500 for the clutch kit.

1) Does this price seem fair with a 3 year warranty?

2) Should I just find some hack to do it with rebuilt parts and sell the d**n thing or get it fixed by one of these places with OEM parts?

3) If I do find out it is just the Slave, would you replace the clutch while the transmission is dropped?

(In the last two years I have replaced the radiator, water pump, fuel pump, power steering pump so I am hoping I won't have a whole lot more go wrong for a while.)

Any input would be appreciated

Scot

NothinButBowTies · February 22, 2007

If it means anything, you could call the gear shop that I have always used in Houston as a good comparision. I thought their prices were really fair and the work was top notch.

I dont want to get in trouble for advertising a non sponsor, so PM if you are interested.

Norseman · February 23, 2007

If it means anything, you could call the gear shop that I have always used in Houston as a good comparision. I thought their prices were really fair and the work was top notch.

I dont want to get in trouble for advertising a non sponsor, so PM if you are interested.

I wouldn't say you are advertising, you're just trying to help a fello member out. Don't worry about it!

Rolandd · February 24, 2007

The price is in line (at least for east or west coasts, I know that you are in the middle). I would do the clutch while you are in there if the tranny has to come out anyway. Make sure that they replace the pilot bushing/bearing as well--usually they will just lube it, but yours has a few miles on it.

scotc03 · February 26, 2007

Thanks for the number NBBT. I didn't get an answer when I called the other day, but it sounds like the price is pretty standard.

I have noticed some shadetree mechanics post on craigslist offering their services. Would I be a fool to buy parts from a shop here and pay someone to do it in their driveway to save $300 or so?