How to tell if it's a RMS going

[dwoeste]

I have a 99 Carrera Cabriolet with about 38K miles on it. The RMS was replaced in 01 by the original owner. Last night I noticed some oil spots on the garage floor. How can I tell if it is the RMS? the spot was about the size of a quarter.

Could it have anything to do with the fact that I'm trying to teach my son how to drive a stick shift and he's going through the typical issues?

One last question....if it is the RMS, about how much would it cost to replace and are there other things that should be done at the same time?

[rb101]

it should be wet at the bottom of the bellhousing

[dwoeste]

A couple of follow-up questions.....

If the seal was replaced in 2001, why would it need replaced again? I've owned many cars and have never had to replace a RMS.

I'm still curious on the cost of replacing one. What is a good ballpark number?

[RF5BPilot]

The RMS was redesigned in '04. I have not heard of any reports of having to redo the seal after the '04 update. Cost, about $700-$800. Your clutch should be fine--but with engine out, that would be a good time to check the wear. (Often it's the reverse, someone does their clutch and replaces the seal along with it.)

[Mookster]

To replace the RMS and clutch there is a degree of overlapping labor:

As of 10-19-07

Labor 6.3 hours
Seal $20.87

While you are in there:

Clutch fork update $34.97 (3.6lt engine, not sure if this is applicable to the 3.4lt engines)
Labor .5 hours

Misc shop costs $10-$30

Clutch while you are in there....I went with a light weight assy and alm flywheel, parts $2660, you can do this much cheaper if you stay stock.

As a side note regarding the light weight clutch assy: a bit more tranny noise but the the car spins up fast. No stalling issues. My goal was to get the weight of the dual mass clutch assy off the int. shaft and resolve the RMS leaking issue. The shop advised with normal driving, better overall wear and definitely and increase in fun factor.

I hope this helps, good luck.