to do clutch or not ? advice

[DMorris]

Have approx 98,000 on my 03 (6 speed) Stock clutch, some mods (intake,exhaust,edge juice) . 4:10 gears pulling 17,000+ fifth wheel trailer.

I am easy on clutch's and hate to do this if its not needed. Current clutch has no problems or sign of failure-yet. Im in a situation where I have a shop to work in for the next few weeks and thought if there was a time to do it now would be the time. in a month I will be out on the road for the next couple years and dont want to have to do it on the road. I just am not sure if dumping a $1000 into a clutch right now is a good idea. I usually will go for a couple thousand miles then unhook for a while, then go again, so I dont rack up that many miles, but I am towing heavy. Seems most guys get 150,000 on their clutch's, but probably not towing as much weight ? Any thoughts to help me with my decision are very much appreciated !

 

[notron46]

clutch or not to clutch

I had a trans issue at 120000, so it made sense for me to do the whole clutch assembly at the time. Good thing I did. The through out bearing was dried out and crusty and wouldn't have lasted much longer. Also the rear seal had a slight leak. So I think that if you have the time and location to do it, it can't hurt. My clutch disc was in good shape, but the pressure plate was on it's way out. Norton

 

[steved]

Unless its showing signs of impending issues, or you really want to have it done for peace of mind; I'd pass for now.



I replaced mine at around 180k... the disc and bearings were fine, however the clutch assembly was a factory defect that was warped and that appeared quickly once added power was forced on it. It was only touching in three spots, and each spot was the size of a half dollar.



My father got 220k on his 99, but he was driving 150 miles a day for work which was mainly open road.

 

[TBartlett1]

Not sure when the dual-mass flywheel was introduced but if it has one it would be wise to remove & install a solid flywheel.

I replaced 2 this summer that failed.

If it fails on he road the cost and inconvenience will far exceed $1000 now!

If it has a solid flywheel I would still inspect for peace of mind.

 

[EDankievitch]

06's use the G56 which uses the dual mass disaster You'r about at the end of it's life Granted I got 130,000 out of mine towing. Talk to the people at South Bend they will set you up with what best fits your needs. I did the G56 conf single disk all I can say is it's awesome to say the least. Only thing is make sure you have a quality shop do the job, the shop I used caused a bad leak that took some doing to get right.

 

[HBarlow]

Your question really filters down to the choice between do-it-yourself preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance later paying for someone else's time and labor.

Your clutch will probably give you another couple of years service but if and when it fails it will cost more if you have to pay for towing and a shop to do the work.

If I was a good mechanic capable of doing the work myself as I believe you are I might do the work now. You can buy a factory replacement LUK clutch from an internet discounter for less than $1000.

 

[rbattelle]

Unless its showing signs of impending issues, or you really want to have it done for peace of mind; I'd pass for now.

I agree with Steve. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.



-Ryan

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Even if the clutch has some wear left, the pilot bearing and throw out bearing may be going out. If the pilot bearing goes out, it will ruin the transmission input shaft and that will get into some money and effort. You could also change the rear main seal; mine went out at about 120,000 and it is easy to do when you are doing a clutch anyway.

 

[steved]

Have approx 98,000 on my 03 (6 speed)

This should be a single (read: non-G56) disc/flywheel clutch right??

 

[mattk50]

I've got 190,000 on mine with a lot of towing and still pulling strong. I say if it aint broke dont fix it

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

If you wait until it is obviously broke, it can cost a lot more.

 

[DMorris]

This should be a single (read: non-G56) disc/flywheel clutch right??

Thats correct-NON G56. NV5600

 

[steved]

Thats correct-NON G56. NV5600

I only brought it up because it appeared as though some were implying it was a dual-mass deal of a G56...