How much to replace clutch?

[nitroman]

Just wondering what's the cost usually to replace the clutch? My friend's A4 (2003 6 speed I think) was in the stealership and they said the clutch needs to be replaced within the next year, and quoted him like $3000 for everything. That sounds way too steep to me, but then I have no idea. So just seeing what everyone else around here pays for this service. I know that since I'm in Canada, prices are way higher but I just want a ballpark figure. I also told him to ask around for other VW mechanics.

I noticed D2Beetle's DIY thread and although it doesn't seem too hard to do, but my friend is not mechanical and I'm not comfortable enough working on other people's cars yet as I can't even handle my own, haha. But I did notice the parts kit go for around $300-$600 bux.

Oh, and BTW, the problem the stealership says is that the clutch needs to be released really high before it engages in gear. Thus it's going to be needing a replacement soon. Just seeing if ORGers here think they diagnosed it properly.

[D2Beetle]

My wife had a local VW mechanic do the previous clutch prior to this one and at that time (5-6 years ago) she paid around $1,200.

That is when I decided to do the next one.

[nitroman]

Thanks. And is the diagnosis correct? The symptom is that the clutch pedal needs to be let up all the way before the gear engages.

[D2Beetle]

Originally Posted by nitroman

Thanks. And is the diagnosis correct? The symptom is that the clutch pedal needs to be let up all the way before the gear engages.

All clutches operate differently. The wife's clutch now grabs right off the floor; however my other NBs grab close to the top.

I am not certain if this is an indication of needing a replacement or not. The only thing I can speculate on, would be the pressure plate springs are weak and with the clutch pedal near the top, the throwout bearing is almost disengaged.

IMHO a clutch replacement usually occurs in 7-8 years or 75k-100k miles or when you notice it slipping; which ever occurs first. I can say this, my '98 NB has had only two clutches; the original and one replacement and I have 300,000+, so I know it needs another one, regardless. We purchased my sons '99 with 55,000+ already on it and he now has 117000+ and I believe that it is still running on the original. The wife's NB has 173,000+ and she has had three clutches; which includes the current one.

[esse10]

Just fyi my 2003 1.8T beetle is still on it's original clutch also after 167k miles so far. I plan on replacing it myself this coming Fall season.

[D2Beetle]

The one on my '98 just started slipping. So I will be changing it after TOD 2012.

[warren]

Originally Posted by nitroman

Oh, and BTW, the problem the stealership says is that the clutch needs to be released really high before it engages in gear. Thus it's going to be needing a replacement soon. Just seeing if ORGers here think they diagnosed it properly.

just replaced mine at 173k when it started showing signs of slipping...my clutch never released high, even when brand new.

clutch kit (with stretch bolt kit) was $395 shipped from Metalman parts...a very good vendor, btw.