Clutch shot?

[mercman]

My 911sc's clutch was pretty worn out when I bought it last month, but I thought I would be able to at least get through the summer. After spending 3 hours detailing the car yesterday, I took it for a ride to run some errands. The clutch started to make a slight groaning noise when depressed, but seemed to drive ok. Then, it starting to make a awful grinding noise (very much like completely worn pads on rotors) and the pedal failed to release completely. It was also very hard to get into gear without grinding.

Luckily, I made it home 15 miles in 2nd gear and got 5 green lights on the way home. Didn't have to dip the clutch once! The car is parked in my garage now , but I'm afraid to drive it or start it to prevent any transmission damage. Questions:

Does it normally grind when it goes, or might this be a rubber center clutch coming apart?

Is the grinding causes by the throwout bearing?

Should I flatbed it to the shop when I get it repaired?

Thanks,

[WolfeMacleod]

I just blew the rubber centered clutch on my 924S. The symptoms were very much like you desribed.

I'm hoping the '85 Carrera we recenly bough doesn't have the stupid rubber centered clutch...

[BeauBlues]

The rubber center clutch was on the '87 and on. As for your problem, I cant really help you. But hopefully some more knowledgeable people will chime in.

[FinallyGotOne]

I would recommend flatbedding it for precaution. I just went through some tranny rebuilding... This repair may be quite costly.
If it is tranny expect about $1,000 just to R & R the motor.

[mercman]

Thanks everyone for your quick feedback. Thinking about it, I'm guessing the grinding noise is caused by a completely worn clutch disc rubbing directly against the flywheel, causing the metal-to-metal grinding noise.

The car will be going into the shop this week for a new clutch, new first gear synchro, throw-out bearing, etc. Yes, it's going to hurt the wallet.

Best,

Rob