996 C4S Clutch/Flywheel Advice Please

[echoblue]

Hi all,

I've had my C4S a couple of months now and have been planning to get the clutch replaced (along with a few other bits) since picking it up...just haven't got round to it yet. Anyway, this week I've noticed a small amount of judder at low revs when pulling out (typically when I'm in 2nd) so plan to book it in to have the clutch work done next week (as I understand this is likely to be the cause, and I was going to have it done in any case).

My question is: is it typically necessary or recommended to replace the flywheel at the same time as the clutch? I'm not in the habit of paying for unnecessary work, but know that the bulk of the cost will be in the labour so worth bundling in whatever is necessary at the same time! The car is currently on 77k.

Any guidance appreciated!

Cheers
Mike

[Scho]

Been there! Did both.

Even though the old one didn't look particularly bad on inspection the new flywheel makes the car so much easier to drive.

[1 Pheasant Plucker]

This will be the cars 3rd clutch most likely, on pretty much the same miles as mine.
Your mechanic will be able to tell if the dual mass flywheel is knackered once it's in bits and on the floor, but it's most likely the source of any juddering, probably best to just change it anyway while you're in there, then you know it's done and can forget it.

While you're at it and the gearbox is on the floor, check/change the RMS if it leaks at all, and check the IMS bearing too, do that if it's not been done already, no point paying for the labour to do it another day.., these could have already been done, but you won't know for sure until its in bits.

Edited by 1 Pheasant Plucker on Wednesday 2nd November 18:51

[Magic919]

When I took the C4S in for a new clutch it was the DMF that was in a worse state than the clutch. The garage will be able to check that once it's apart.

[EGTE]

Don't forget to remove IMS bearing dust shields, in order to keep it bathed in oil.

Much more in this thread:

http://www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=108257&si...

[echoblue]

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like it'd be worth changing the DMF with the clutch then...I'll add it to the list (and firmly hide the list from the wife!). On a previous inspection it looked like the IMS had already been done (unfortunately I'm missing two service receipts at 40k and 46k likely to be the most recent clutch and possibly the IMS, so can't be 100% sure without taking it apart), but again will get the guys to check it thoroughly while doing the clutch to ensure it's running the later design.
Thanks again!

[echoblue]

Just a quick update...

I took the car to Eddie at SilverTune in Christchurch (they came very highly recommended and I've had a few bits done by them already), with the instruction to do clutch, flywheel (unless it showed absolutely no signs of wear!), RMS seal and IMS inspection, and to replace anything else that showed any signs of wear. Left it with them for a couple of days and now have it back and am very pleased with the work done. The flywheel was very much in need of replacement with significant back/forth play, and the clutch also well-ready for replacement (Eddie showed me the old parts and the face of the pressure plate (I think that's what it was called?) was also a little rough through wear). The RMS seal was clearly leaking so was replaced and the IMS (confirmed as upgraded) was visually inspected and shows no signs of wear. The propshaft rubber coupling was also replaced as it showed some clear signs of starting to perish.

All-in it came to circa £1,500 but I believe it is money well spent (I believe this actually represents good value given what I've heard other garages charge for this type of work). The clutch is now so much lighter and more responsive, and the drive is significantly smoother. It's amazing how much it has transformed the driving experience.

So, 4 months into ownership I've spent around £2k on parts and servicing (the clutch was anticipated when purchased so not too painful), but should now see me through for a while (touch wood!!)

Cheers
Mike