Shoul I put in a new Clutch ?

Car just come back from service (£263 OPC Sheffield 36k), however the RMS is leaking so will be going back to be fixed next week. Shouuld I put in a new clutch at the same time ? car as done 32,000 miles and Clutch feels ok. Reason for asking is the price would only be for the parts as the car is under warrenty. Your thoughts please

I had the same thing on that service same miles as you. What the OPC suggested was while they were doing the RMS they would take the clutch out and inspect it and give me a call with what they thought, they said it would be no problem for 5000+ miles so i then decided to have it changed while they were there the only charged for the parts to with 10% discount for being a Club member. I would suggest you do the same get them to inspect it first. Phil

How do you know that the clutch is not damage by the oil leakage due to the RMS issue? That is before or during repairs? I would personally inspect the clutch for any oil deposits, before it is cleaned up....[ ]

I think it highly unlikely that the clutch plate has been damaged by a small RMS leak, but at 32K its worth a look because most clutches are tired by 40-45K. I would have it done if you intend keeping the car, after all the labour element will be free. Its also a good time to check the DMF...

I agree with Pete, My clutch went at 38K with no evidence of RMS failure at that time. I also had a DMF replacement so it would prove prudent to have a peek. RB

Guys... If you don't ask you don't get.....[ ]

My clutch was replaced at the last RMS replacement which was at approx 42,000 miles. I had the option to replace it (the clutch) several times but inspected it myself and hung on a little longer......knowing that I would unfortunatly have the option to change it at the next RMS replacement.

thank you for all the replys Will get the clutch changed and the same time. Gary

Pete B Interested in your comment about clutches being tired at 40-45K miles. My car has done almost 77K miles and I have been through all of the bills and there is no evidence of the clutch being changed ! How do you know when its tired ? Thanks Mark

When you need to use both feet to de-clutch!! I should add that when my clutch was changed it was because Tech9 said that an over firm clutch was an indication of impending doom. They were right and the plate was tired. Of course this is not to say that every clutch wears out at 40K...but on average it seems to be the experience of those that fit them. I meerely drive 'em. It all depends on the way that the car is treated. By the way, the new clutch is considerably lighter to use. Not quite a Nissan, thankfully!

Mine wore out about 1000 miles after I bought the car and there was a huge difference in pedal pressure. The labour of replacing the clutch is the greater part, so if it's nearing the end of it's life, I wouldn't hesitate to change it. I guess 77k miles is possible but the car will probably have done mostly motorway work.

Wear and tear depends on so many things. General opinion is that the C4 is heavier on clutches than a C2.... I have been told by more than one independant that average C4 clutch lasts about 40k.... Years ago I regularly commuted a vast distance down the M4 and once did over 60,000 miles on one set of tyres! The only times they turned was about 2 miles at each end!