WOW! I forgot how it shifted when it was new. Apparently, the clutch wares down so slowly that you don't realize how mucked up it can get. After 180K miles and 9½ years, I think I got my moneys worth out of it.

Anyway, I got the LUK kit from rockauto, EXACTLY the same as the OEM kit for a lot less. $165 delivered + $40 for 3 quarts of our favorite manual trans fluid, the AC Delco Friction Modified (the one that replaces the GM stuff). No need for wasting money on a more expensive kit.

Now here's the best part, $400 for labor! That's right, only $400. FTP Auto service, 69-31 51st Ave in Queens. Took the guy a total of 5 hours to do the entire job. Now I understand why this job is so expensive. He had to remove the battery, the starter, the air intake, part of the exhaust system, the drive shaft, part of the suspension, etc just to get to the point where he was able to separate the transmission from the engine, but didn't have to take the tranny all the way out just to get to the disc and the plate. Seeing all those parts of my car on the ground made me wonder if he was gonna remember where they all went, but to my surprise, he did!

The stealerships wanted $1200 just for labor, 10 hours! Told them where to go.

Grand total for clutch replacement, $605. Can ya dig it?
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nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


happy shifting!!!

 

So your flywheel was fine after 180k miles?

 

Yes! Showed hardly any wear at all.

 

Here's the before and after picture of the discs.
Or should I say, after and before!

 

thanks. you probably paid 20% of what the "stealer" would charge for what would be a lower quality job.

 

that's a hell of a rate. That's like civic clutch replacement price but with wayyy more work involved.

 

You know it!
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That's a good price but with that kinda millage I would have just done the flywheel too.(my two cents) The Dual mass flywheels are not the same like the ones in civics and all.
As long as you are happy and the car drives well that is all that matters I guess.

 

Glad you got it replaced, these TLs are quality cars, after you're sure there's no bugs go by & give him a $50 tip.

 

Holy smokes on that price! I will be happy as can be if my dealer will quote me under $1500 when my time comes.

My '05 has 130K miles so I know it is coming in the next year or so. I know we had to have taken some life off the clutch in the past year or two when the APP sensor was acting up.

 

They inspected the flywheel and found it to be OK. Why spend money you don't have to?
And yes, the car drives just fine, thanks.
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Gee "D", there was plenty of meat left on that friction plate

180K is a good run. So when you say "I forgot how it shifted when it was new" what are you noticing? Better take up without any shudder perhaps? Do tell...

 

Better take up? You betcha! It grabs quick now, and no more slipping. It was 179K actually, but who's counting?

What do ya mean there was plenty of 'meat' left?

 

im guessing he meant you didnt run the old clutch down to the rivets.

 

Yep. I was just kidding. I think you got your money's worth. No good would have come from running it down to the rivets.

 

I wouldn't be so quick to announce it's impending death...142K here, no issues. I fully expect it to last over 200K

 

Running it down to the rivets might have meant a new flywheel

Apparently, I got it just in time.
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A local shop told me I should consider swapping my pressure plate as well if I buy a kit like the LUK one. My car has 60k mile so I am hoping the flywheel can be scuffed up.

I didn't see the LUK kit specifically mention it came with a pressure plate- did you replace yours? I didn't even see one for sale on rockauto

 

the pressure plate is included with the LUK kit.
the pressure plate is the piece that gets worn out.

 

So, you reused your original 179K mile flywheel; did they resurface it or just clean it with an abrasive disc?

I know a lot of shops don't have the equipment to resurface a dual-mass flywheel.

 

woah thats a crazy price, but i cant trust anyone in queens after the crap ive seen there