987 Spyder Clutch Shudder?

[bobspace]

I bought a 987 Spyder with 9500 miles on it. -It got a clean bill of health from a Porsche dealer PPI and looked obsessively cared for by a mature driver.

But a strange thing I noticed: The clutch shudders in first when I engage it between 1000-1500 rpms. It engages smoothly above 2000 rpms and performs normally in all other respects. No signs of slipping.

Is this just the way the clutch is on 987s? Or does this sound like a component failure? Also, this was happening in the same timeframe as the PPI. I assume Porsche’s techs would have caught a clutch issue.

Thoughts 987 owners?

[tonythetarga]

That's not normal. Even with the low miles, it sounds like a worn out disk. Perhaps original owner wasn't much for manual trans and slipped the clutch each time. That could wear it out pretty quickly.
Where, in the range of pedal travel, does the clutch engage the drive? Close to the floor, half way or near the full release point? The higher it is, the likelihood of higher wear. Is it a CPO car? Should be covered under warranty.

[masraum]

I have to disagree with Tony. It wouldn't surprise me if it's perfectly fine. It's got to do with the design of the clutch and the way you start moving (not saying you're doing it wrong).

[JackDidley]

The clutch on my 08 S is finicky. I have to use my toes to be smooth with it. New clutch at 84k miles and its a little better but still not like other cars I have had.

[Brian in Tucson]

Originally Posted by tonythetarga

That's not normal. Even with the low miles, it sounds like a worn out disk. Perhaps original owner wasn't much for manual trans and slipped the clutch each time. That could wear it out pretty quickly.
Where, in the range of pedal travel, does the clutch engage the drive? Close to the floor, half way or near the full release point? The higher it is, the likelihood of higher wear. Is it a CPO car? Should be covered under warranty.

The OP says he lives in San Francisco. LOTS of hills, if he or the previous owner clutched wrong, easy to do, the flywheel and pressure plate may be warped. I've never driven a 987, but this ain't normal and not something the Elves at Porsche would be satisfied to let out on the streets.

Probably there are lots of wonderful independent Porsche shops around SF, Palo Alto, and Santa Clara/San Jose. I'd get an independent opinion and expect to replace the clutch.

[masraum]

9500 miles and needs a clutch replacement? Possible, yes. Doubtful, also yes. Technique can cause shudder. And what one person calls shudder another person may not. Also, there's lots of variation in how folks drive a manual trans.

Probably not a bad idea to either have a couple of trusted manual trans drivers check it if you know/have some friends. Also, then you can have them demonstrate if they have the same issue or not and you can show them. If not, then maybe a shop.