Signs of an impending clutch replacement

[jimmy3530]

Hi Everyone:

I've got a 2000 Carrera 4 with 57K miles on it. I'm using it as my daily driver in heavy stop and go traffic which is very irritating but on the positive side, it makes stretches of open road that much more fun.

My question is that the clutch releases at the very top of the pedal movement however there is no perceived slip at low speeds and high revs. Could I be low on fluid? I'm planning on changing the clutch next spring but I'm wondering how much time I have. Or maybe there is a quick adjustment.

Thoughts?

[Loren]

No adjustment as the clutch is hydraulic.

Most do 995's release high compared to other cars. If you are not sure then try bleeding the clutch system. There is a DIY in the DIY Tutorial section.

When the clutch disc is worn out or almost worn out the clutch pedal will get very hard. Then you know it's time.

[jimmy3530]

Loren:

Did you mean to say that most 996's release high as designed?

I will take a look at the DIY for bleeding.

My clutch is definitely not very hard to push. It's stiffer than that on a Japanese car, but it is German-like.

[Loren]

Yes, it seems higher than other cars to me.

And most all 9x6 series I have driven are the same.

[logray]

One mod people often do for the clutch feel is to remove the boost spring or install a less stiff one (purchase at home depot). It can make the clutch feel heavier, but provide more feel for engagement.

However if it is engaging at the very top of the pedal the clutch could be nearing the need for replacement. With a new clutch I notice it does engage a little lower, but not dramatically compared with a very worn clutch disc.

Edited December 16, 2011 by logray

[rasank]

I just got a new clutch along with new RMS and IMS bearing, and the clutch now feels as soft as my honda civic. The car is new to me and I thought the tight clutch pedal it was the "solid German" feel but my indy told me that a Porsche clutch should feel as soft as any Japanese car and I believe him now. My old clutch was hard and the engagement point was a little higher than about half way. The good thing about clutch replacement is you can get that other pesky stuff done as well.

[Gonzo911]

rasank...can I ask what your indy charged for the clutch, IMS and RMS? Thanks.

[rasank]

gonzo, i paid around 4900 canadian for clutch, flywheel etc etc+clutch slave cylinder+rms+ln bearing+new serpentine belt, 13.5 hours of labor

the only extra stuff here was the clutch slave cylinder that was leaky and the belt, parts were around $200 and probably an extra hour of labor

things are a bit pricey up north but this shop is well reputed and they do good work AFAIK

i am sure you could have it done cheaper in your neck of the woods

[Gonzo911]

rasank...thanks! My clutch only has a short life left so I am planning on doing what you did. Have a great Christmas/New Years!

[rasank]

Thanks my friend! Happy Holidays to you and yours.