C4S clutch is TOAST

I had heard that when they start getting hard to press the next step is sudden failure - I did not believe it because I have driven clutches all my life (mid 50's) HA! Noticed it chattering the other day when I backed it into the drive way (I am not the regular driver, my wife is but she is really good with a clutch) anyway it concerned me. Today, I get in it to move it out of the drive way and when I went to start it - clutch to the floor to start - IT STAYED THERE! I thought DAMN. So I took it for a test drive and it just spins with the HP. I can baby it to a shop but how much should I expect to pay for a replacement in a C4S??? Should I buy a clutch from a supplier and take it to dealer for replacement? Should I buy and clutch from a supplier and take to Indy??? Should I roll the car down the hill and let it slip into the ocean???? CRAP! NO - NO PIX!!

How many miles on the clutch? I think it costs somewhere between $1,500 and $2,500 for a new clutch installed.

Depending on the year of your car, a clutch kit from Pelican Parts is going to be either $495 for the '99-'01 cars or $575 for the '00-'04 cars. If you can find a good, well known independent shop to do the labor for you, I'd think you could get the clutch done for $1,000 to $1,100 total cost (including the clutch kit).

Paul, I cannot really complain too much the car has 68000 miles on it and that is not an unreasonable price. It is a 2004. Thanks for the tip 450KnotOffice. I am also wondering if I should see if there is some kind of upgrade unit available. It is the kind of thing that I have to get going on even though it is not a daily driver. I appreciate the feedback on this. eric

When you're doing the clutch you should check the dual mass flywheel at the same time because that could be causing the chattering. Not sure of the price but I think it's another grand+ more and labor is not a big deal once you're in there.

Toss the dual mass flywheel and go with a LTW flywheel.

I just paid around a $1k for a new clutch at my indy. For '00 C4.

One thing to consider if you go with the LWFW, you WILL get clutch chatter (actually the fly wheel) when the clutch is not engaged. Do a search on "light weight" or LWFW. Just an FYI.

Thanks for the heads up guys, I will do some checking before I hand it over to anyone. I did not even know it had a dual mass set up. I think I am really going to find out the pros and cons of each on a replacement. Thanks again, eric

Dropped it off at Rusnak Westlake today for replacement and some other service. I was told it would cost about $1400 and with the piece of mind that it is at the "Porsche shop" I will sleep well tonight, I just won't sleep very close to my wallet because it is hyperventilating. With the MAJOR service I will be out 2500 - 3000 by the time I bail it out. eric

Mine went out at 58k miles, indy did it 1100 installed, 6 hrs. Dealer wanted 2800+!!!!!!!

Mine was $1250 at Rusnak Porsche in Pasadena. Since they did it when I got my new engine I had to pay for the clutch only $650.00. The new clutch feels great and I agree to just pay the dealer and sleep well. If your clutch was going you will love the way the new one feels (so easy to push and no chatter).

Yea, $$ well spent or spending in my book. FYI, the car has 68000 miles on it and runs like a champ otherwise. Am having the complete unadulterated full monte done without looking back. Full 60,000 mile service and look for anything else that might be suspect. Think I will even have the spare remote key made also. This should last me until 2015..... right?

Can someone help me figure this out..... Dealer said my slave cylinder needs to be replaced also - OK. Went on to say that it was the slave cylinder that caused the clutch to fail. It has been my experience that if a slave goes bad you can no longer disengage the clutch. But I was told that this slave caused the clutch to be pushed PAST the limit and broke the clutch?? I will sit back and listen because I really do not know the mechanics of this dual mass assembly - maybe that is the key?? eric

I'm curious to hear what folks say about that. My clutch has been squeaking for over a year now, but it works fine so I've been waiting for it to go so I can replace the whole thing. I've got over 99,000 miles on it now. It's pretty hard to press down, but it works fine otherwise.

Well Paul, what I was told was that when it gets firm it should be replaced because it could just break! To me that sounds like a pressure plate problem. However, mine was getting very firm to press also and it did break suddenly as predicted. However, after hearing the dealer say that the slave cylinder caused the clutch to break it just does not add up. How could the slave create a firm pedal feel?? It is just a hydraulic device providing fluid motion. I am really confused. Where is DR. Dell when you need him??

..........and the list continues, now putting in an ignition switch...... wondered why sometimes the radio would stay on when the car was parked.

Ouch! Car is back. end of thread............

This that "Ouch!" referring to $$$$$ to repair? It can't be that "Ouch!" refers to getting the car back, can it?

$$$$ after the list of things they found and repaired. Could go out and buy another small car for the cost. Took two credit cards. No more dog food for the red pigs. I am eating sardines for dinner. Gonna have to start living in the car on the streets. FYI, the car is great! Plus I immediately threw X73 and 19" wheels and tires at it the first week I bought it (bought 2-28-07) Just a big steeming heap of money - gone! Thats all folks................................................................... ..................

Guess I gotta live by my tag................

Well, in that case...... OUCH! is right. Sorry to hear about the problems. The X73 will make you feel better and the wheels will make it look better.