21 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHHow Can I Tell if Clutch Has Been Replaced?
Leading reported evidence
Install just based
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I wasn't 100% sold on it being installed just based on gut.
Leading evidence: 'Install just based' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check friction plate' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
The only way to check it is to remove the transmission and inspect the clutch plate, and remove it to check the friction plate.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
The only way to check it is to remove the transmission and inspect the clutch plate, and remove it to check the friction plate.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
When the shop was in there they recommended doing the clutch based on wear and the engine being out, so I agreed to the work.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
I'm going to reply to the shop today and see if they can offer something a little more concrete other than "I know it was replaced".
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
Although I know some people who are pretty detail oriented and use still them, but with the owner out of the picture (or so it seems) the clock could be ticking.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
21 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261027T011819Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
I'm a new 996 C4 Cab owner and received the car from my uncle via transport 2.5 weeks ago. I drove it twice on Day 1 and then for the majority of the past 2.5 weeks it was at a reputable local Indy getting IMS, RMS, clutch and some other refreshes completed so I can drive worry free. Also in scope was a safety and emissions inspection that I reminded them about 3 times. The shop has been around a very long time and the owner is reputable, but he's in his 80's now and he has someone else run the shop for him.
When the shop was in there they recommended doing the clutch based on wear and the engine being out, so I agreed to the work.
Fast forward to yesterday - I head in to pick up the car and double check that safety/emissions was done and they review the ticket and realize they forgot it, so they take the car back and knock that out pretty quickly. Great. I had kids with me so I was a bit distracted and fully reviewed the receipt when I got home only to realize that the clutch work wasn't listed. I called the shop and the front desk guy said that he knew the work had been done because he remembers dropping off the part to the tech and that it was basically a clerical error in my favor - free clutch. I wasn't 100% sold on it being installed just based on gut. I told him I was good for the money and will pay for it but I needed confirmation that it was done. He's supposed to get back to me today with that confirmation.
So...other than trust...how do I know if the work was done?
The only way to check it is to remove the transmission and inspect the clutch plate, and remove it to check the friction plate. Maybe, just maybe, you could remove the CPS and snake a boroscope in there, but I doubt if you will see much.
Normally yes, but I put about 10 miles on the car prior to it heading to the shop for 2+ weeks, so few miles and a decent gap between driving means that I don't trust my left leg to make the call on whether or not the clutch was replaced. FWIW, the clutch wasn't slipping prior.
What I can tell you is when my clutch was old the pedal felt very heavy. It didn't feel slippy or worn, it engaged fine, but very heavy. When I got my new clutch the damn pedal felt like a Honda Accord. Very very easy to press and engage. Bite point felt a bit closer to the top of the pedal than the carpet as well.
My clutch was going out on my last car. As Doc metioned... The clutch pedal was really heavy and difficult to engage.
Also, as you're changing gears, be aware of the tach especially in higher gears. If you feel a loss of power and the RPM are still increasing, then that's one sign it needs to be replaced.
Funny thing happened. At about 4:20 I decided to call the shop since it was basically 2 full days since I heard from them. The same person I've been working with answered, I asked for the owner and he wasn�t in. The guy asked how he could help and I said I�d call back later. Then, 10 minutes later I got the email below and an attached invoice for $618 (discounted from $750 quote) for the clutch. He obviously realized it was me that called and that he was in the doghouse. I still have no solid proof that the work was done, but now I have this invoice�
I reviewed through everything Yesterday and today about the clutch. I
know one was installed and I did not charge you for it. Thank you for
calling that to my attention. I have attached a copy of an invoice for
the clutch kit. I did discount the clutch kit due to my mistake. I can
take a credit card over the phone.
Once again, thank you for calling this to my attention.
That's one thing I like about shops that take simple pictures (easy nowadays since everyone carries smartphones) is that they can show your car having the work done if there was any question. There are no absolutes, but it does help if you have concern if something was forgotten or neglected.
Only if you ask BEFORE the work is started.
I however, keep a box full of used parts removed from the car as evidence until the car is picked up. Then they get tossed.
OP, if the clutch engagement point is near the top of the pedal travel, you are close to a new clutch.
Well, I'll sleep easy tonight (not) my car is at the same shop as we speak getting, I hope, an IMS and AOS. Who knows, like mziggy16 said maybe I'll get his clutch! HA!
Phwew! These guys sound sharp
... If there's a real doubt in your mind that the work was done, I certainly wouldn't pay that invoice unless they PROVE that they put a new clutch in. You've got the car, and they really don't have a leg to stand on. I find it hard to believe that they did a clutch job and just "forgot" to bill you for it...I mean really? I guess we all make mistakes, but come on - sumpum seems fishy here
It's crossed my mind, but two wrongs, well, you know. I'm going to reply to the shop today and see if they can offer something a little more concrete other than "I know it was replaced".
The clutch definitely catches high up in the travel - it's taken some getting used to. Very different feel and engagement than my Z4M.
I just called and the shop is checking to see if they can track down the clutch or the "note" (text message) giving the tech a heads up to complete the work. Hopefully we can put this to rest soon and chalk it up to an honest mistake.
@JBSL
Your car is up next...he mentioned having a few IMS replacements about ready to get worked on.
I would not pay for that clutch. It sounds uncertain that the work was done. What if it wasn't done, and them charging you is to just save face. You'd be paying for nothing. Worst case for you is that you don't have a new clutch and you're out about $3k when they have to put one in a year or so. Worst case for them, they are out a $700 part. That's just me though. I can't stand this type of dumb stuff. If it's not on the invoice, then to me it wasn't done. It's a tough situation because you may want to go back to this shop at some point. There are other shops in town....
I gotta bad feeling about this place, like it may not be around forever. Although I know some people who are pretty detail oriented and use still them, but with the owner out of the picture (or so it seems) the clock could be ticking.
To tie a bow on this one:
The shop sent me an email this AM with an image of the techs phone screen showing a message instructing him to proceed with the clutch. That timestamp on the text was in line with my phone call approving the work (3:56pm phone call / 4:10pm text, same day). Additionally they provided an image of a used 996 clutch. All of the story matches up and has been consistent.
Thanks for all of the input on this one.
Time to pay up.
