Heavy Clutch - 2007 987S 3.4

Hi guys, I've posted this on your sister Boxster forum but thought I'd try here to in the hope that someone may be able to offer some assistance... I have a year old Boxster 987S, the 3.4 variety with just a few thousand miles under it's wheels. I popped into my local OPC earlier today to have a browse at a 997 C4S they had for sale. I took the car for a spin and while I was doing so the dealer was going to give my car the once over...so far so good. They identified one problem with my car - they said that the clutch was very heavy and in all probability required replacement which wouldn't be covered under warranty as it was a wear and tear item. I was to say the least VERY surprised as I don't go dropping the clutch at 6000 revs and generally drive with a high degree of mechanical sympathy. I've not noticed a deterioration in the clutch over my year of ownership although I guess it's something that could have happened gradually. I'd just assumed that the clutch was normally heavy and got used to it. So, has anyone else experienced any similar problems at low mileages? Logically it requires a proper inspection by the dealer to discover the actual problem, be it the clutch or otherwise. Any advice appreciated. Cheers.

There's a clutch related recall on some of the 07 Caymans. Do a search on the board; there are a number of threads on it. At the least I'd check and see if it wasn't one of those. Either way, I'd say it's curios that your clutch problem wouldn't be covered under warranty with such low miles.

What do you mean by a "heavy" clutch?

Just for info it's a Boxster but I'm assuming that mechanically they are fundamentally the same. Totally agree with you, I was surprised that it wasn't covered under warranty too. I did ask that the service guy refer it to Porsche UK so it's still possible that they'll take a look at it. I'll know early next week.

Pretty much that, it requires quite a bit of effort to depress the clutch pedal. I'm used to it but the service guy noticed it immediately. I tried a couple of new Boxsters in the showroom and they were much lighter in operation.

I can recall reading posts here that addressed a difference in clutch feel from car to car. I don't remember anyone concluding why this is so.

Thanks, I'll do a little searching through previous threads.

A heavy clutch just isn't something I associate with abuse or wear. Slipping or not releasing fully yes. Makes me wonder if the overcenter spring broke or wear in the slave cylinder. Maybe the throw out bearing wasn't lubed at assembly. All things that should go much longer then you're talking about. Then again I'm not overly familiar with a Boxster clutch so I could be missing something. I'd suggest a second opinion from another dealer.

See this thread: http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-tech/27559-clutch-question.html I have a clutch that is more difficult than most Caymans, but I prefer it.

I have got used to the extra force required to operate the clutch but it does make stop start driving a real chore. I'll hold off until I hear what Porsche UK advise. The more I think about it the more rediculous it seems that the problem (whatever it is) isn't covered under warranty. If anyone has had this specific problem I'd love to hear about it.

Received a response from Porsche UK via my dealer. If the gearbox is removed and there are signs of wear and tear then I'll be charged accordingly. If the dealer does find a problem not attributed to wear then it'll be covered - so in short, no help at all. I am of course a little disappointed that Porsche won't even investigate the problem and report back.

Did you see the response from Porsche UK?

Called Customer Services earlier. They unfortunately confirmed that they wouldn't cover the cost of investigating the heavy pedal unless it was subsequently discovered to be a manufacturing defect. I had assumed that diagnosis of a problem would be covered - WRONG! So if I decide to have it looked at then removal of the gearbox etc for checking of the clutch and related parts is around 5 or 6 hours labour.

Bummer, but if you do know that you haven't abused your clutch, and you know that other clutches of similar cars feel different (c4s may be different) then you should have them look at it. There are things other than wear that can happen to clutches.

You're right, I just don't have a huge amount of faith in the process. As an example, PorscheUK mentioned that if there were signs of "blueing" - something to do with the clutch going through a heat cycle, then it would be regarded as wear and tear. As far as I'm concerned the clutch has always felt the same - quite heavy (heavier than my 3.2 987). But I had always just driven it and assumed that it was normal. Who knows, something could even have happened during the PDI. The service tech at the dealership banged on a lot that a clutch could be "ruined" very easily if someone wanted to - so the low mileage of my car wasn't a consideration!!! I just find it a little unreasonable that I should potentially be charged for diagnosing a problem to quite a new and low mileage car which is still within warranty. Then again, I'm not impartial.

Sounds to me like the dealer was trying to devalue your car just in case you decided to try and trade it in because the clutch will have to be replaced before they can resell it. Common ploy at a dealership when talking to a prospect about a car; they are just setting you up for the bump. If the clutch doesn't feel abnormal to you then I wouldn't worry about it. Definitely take it elsewhere for a second or third opinion. With a year and low mileage, any problem will be covered by warranty unless they can prove abuse.