Time for a new clutch?

[ChrisL]

I have a 1986 Carrera with 87k miles on it. My clutch pedal is somewhat heavy - although certainly livable. I get some chatter at first gear takeoff, but careful moderation of the throttle and clutch minimizes that. The clutch does not slip when engaged. The last time I adjusted my clutch I could not get 1.2 mm clearance between the lever arm and the transmission body (the initial adjustment with the cable disconnected), even with the adjustment screw backed all the way out. A mechanic mentioned that was an indication that I need a new clutch.

Now for my questions - should I replace the clutch now or should I start with cable replacement? The clutch needs to be replaced sooner or later, just wondering if I could get more life out of this one, or just replace it now.

Should I replace the horseshoe spring at the same time?

And finally, when I do replace the clutch, should I get an aluminum pressure plate or stick with the stock steel one?

Thanks,

Chris.

[ChrisL]

Anyone?

[pbs911]

87K on a clutch and its probably ready for a new one. Whether you want to replace it now or in the future is up to you. The one thing that is sure is that the clutch will go out at the most inoportun time. If it was me, I'd probably go with some adjustment. The chatter could be simply an adjust problem.
When the clutch on by 78SC was going, the clutch became very hard to push. It sounds as if your may be going in that direction.


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Paul
78SC Targa

[ChrisL]

...bump (last time I promise)...

[tsniu]

While the clutch life obviously varies with your style of driving, it appears that the Sachs clutches for these cars are extremely durable, and I have heard of drivers with very conservative driving style going 90-100K before replacing the disk. But I think that most owners replace long before that mileage.

Don't know about the aluminum pressure plate but would imagine that it has a similar (if not lesser effect) to a lightened flywheel.

But at a minimum, I would replace the cable -- that alone might significantly reduce clutch pedal effort (I have had mine replaced twice with the same result each time) and it is relatively inexpensive.

[tbitz]

I replaced my horseshoe spring recently. It made a big difference in the amount of force is required to keep the clutch down. (I used to get a sore foot driving the car). Cable also help smooth things out. I've also heard that replacing the pedal bushings helps (I have not done this as I am happy with a new cable and horseshoe spring).



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Tony
'78 911SC

[Superman]

I think clutches last a long time and that the inexpensive and critical exterior components should be replaced before making a rebuild decision. I've heard that horseshoe springs get weak and/or break, and we know with certainty that cables do. Replacing this may have a powerful effect on your clutch performance.

It does not bother me to wait until a clutch begins to slip a little before replacing it. I simply will avoid long trips with a questionable clutch disk, but for shorter trips, there is no danger that a clutch will 'wear out' too badly to get you home. There will be plenty of warning. If your clutch system leaves you stranded, it will most probably be a broken cable. IMHO.

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'83 SC

[ChrisL]

I wanted to thank everyone for the invaluable advice. I ended up replacing the clutch cable and horseshoe spring (I didn't even realize mine was snapped!). The difference is amazing. Truely the best advice was to replace inexpensive exterior components before you break down an replace the entire clutch.

Thanks again,

Chris.