Archived South Bend Clutch premature wear 1996 2500 4x4

[pdxkid]

I had a base model 14" South Bend clutch installed in my truck in 2010 at 107,000 miles. Today it started to go out at 129,000 miles. I am a conservative driver in a basically stock truck and the driving has been mixed highway and city.
I do not hold the pedal in at stop lights nor do I tow or haul regularly.

This seems like a pretty short lifespan on what is billed to be a very nice clutch.

Has anyone else experienced something like this?

Am I doing something wrong? I've driven manual transmission vehicles for the last 20 years or so and have never thought I was doing it wrong.

I live in a tiny coastal town now and I tracked down whom I believe to be a very good mechanic. He suggested we install a NAPA clutch (about the same price as the SB at $425 or so) as it is readily available. Ordering a SB would take a few days and he is willing to squeeze me in tomorrow, and with the mileage I got out of the last one, I'm kind of soured for now. He is going to investigate the rear main seal while he's in there, anything else?

I have spent loads of money on this truck and it seems to never end. I'm just here to vent.

 

[seafish]

I would recommend calling SB, be SURE to ask to talk with Peter about a problem you are experiencing, and kindly expain the problems that you are having...he is known to go out of his way to help customers who are having problems with his products, even out of warranty,ESPECIALLY when they do not come in with a bad attitude, but instead use a gentle approach to problem solving. Hate to say it, but do NOT talk with Brian, he has been known, even lately, to be UNHELPFUL and even rude, but the right attitude and description of the problem with Peter goes miles...let us know what happens!!

 

[pdxkid]

Thanks seafish,
I'm not here to disparage anyone's product and I will call Peter and proceed with tact and consideration. I don't expect to get anything, so I won't be disappointed if I don't.

 

[seafish]

Thanks seafish,
I'm not here to disparage anyone's product and I will call Peter and proceed with tact and consideration. I don't expect to get anything, so I won't be disappointed if I don't.

I'll be curious to know how it turns out...be sure to let us know.

 

[Woodenhead]

If you're looking for a reliable shop look at Source Automotive. Good people, well versed in our trucks, with a good reputation for being honest and doing good work.

What's your clutch doing (or not doing)?
I second what was said above, call Southbend.

 

[pdxkid]

Thanks Woodenhead,
The clutch is slipping bad, just like it did when the original one went out at 107,000. Soft pedal and much more pedal travel before it engages.

I've been to Source for an estimate on front end work once in the past. Nice guys, but at a labor rate of $95/hr (if I recall correctly) they are too expensive for me. And while my sig. still reads Portland, I live and work throughout the week in Waldport/Yachats, and that's where the truck is now.

 

[seafish]

I am curious if you replaced the oem clutch hydraulics with the upgraded SBC clutch cylinder and lines...I have read about alot of people have clutch engagement issues when using the oem clutch master cylinder with an SBC clutch.

 

[pdxkid]

I have not done this ^ I wonder if this is the problem?

 

[seafish]

I have not done this ^ I wonder if this is the problem?

Certainly possible...also cheaper then a clutch job...best to inquire with Peter and get back to us on it.

 

[pdxkid]

I spoke with Peter from South Bend this morning at about 8:00 Pacific time. I explained my circumstances and he asked that my mechanic send him pictures of the clutch to his personal cell phone.

I let my mechanic know and he was willing. I had to go to work at this time and would be out of cell range for most of the day. When I returned to the office I had a text from Peter telling me to call him or my mechanic. It was past 5:00 central time so I couldn't reach Peter as they were closed for the day. I called my mechanic and he says, "You're a lucky guy!"

Peter is sending me a new, upgraded clutch and flywheel at no cost! It should be here tomorrow and the truck should be done tomorrow afternoon. It turns out the spring was broken in mine. I am a very happy and grateful guy today.

A big thank you to Peter and South Bend clutch. I will be a forever customer and will not hesitate to spread the good word.
Thanks TDR and Seafish for recommending calling South Bend. I was just about to chalk it up to my bad luck and shell out the dough.

 

[Woodenhead]

Not a lucky guy, just a smart one. You bought a good clutch from a good company that stands behind their product. Sometimes things happen, nice to see you were taken care of.

 

[seafish]

Well in this case I am simply pleased to say "I told you so!!" LOL!!!

 

[RVTRKN]

I upgraded my DMF to a SBC SMF and the DD3250, I talked to Peter at SBC about the surging my truck experiences when in regen. He was very helpful in determining what clutch I should purchase for my application. I thought I was going to get the, "blah blah blah" when I got a very helpful and insightful conversation about my situation. I was already sold on their product though, because over the years here on TDR I've heard story after story about them going above and beyond supporting their product.

 

[SierraRam]

Not lucky since your experience is SOP for South Bend. They definitely stand behind their products.

 

[BDaugherty]

South Bend has taken care of me over the years and I will not hesitate to use or recommend their product.