I need a clutch fitting in my 1.6 Brava...

[moto748]

I've now gone past the "Is it my imagination?" stage to the "alarming movement of rev counter needle at constant speed" stage , so I reckon I'll be needing one sooner rather than later. I shan't be doing it myself (my limited DIY is limited to bikes rather than cars), so the question is, will a franchise clutch 'specialist' (Mr Clutch etc) be better/cheaper than an 'ordinary' local garage? I've been on the Mr Clutch website (nearest is Bristol, 25 miles away), and their quote is £270. Does that sound about right? Anything else that should be replaced at the same time; release bearing, etc? Any tips welcome. Obviously I'll ring some local places tomorrow to get a comparison.

 

[Austin Mini]

You need to go to your local garage and do it fast otherwise you will be forking out for a new flywheel too. £270 is a good price providing you act quickly. Flywheel skimming is gona cost £££ so get a move on, try not to use the car in the meantime. Im a biker too (Honda 400/4F2 1976 vintage) replacing a clutch should take you a Saturday providing Mrs gives you a hand when you call her. You will need a clutch alignment tool too so get it before you start.

 

[fingers99]

Mr Clutch is just a franchise. You will find better quotes at clutch specialists with lower overheads/less advertising, etc.

 

[dave]

never go to a Mr Clutch, search them here and google

 

[moto748]

I spoke to my son last night, and he recommended a local place. I rang them this morning and their price was £370! Waiting to hear back from two other local places. Don't really want to use Mr Clutch anyway really; for logistical reasons a local place would be much more convenient for me.

I'd happily tackle clutch replacement on my bike but not on the car; that's just the way I feel. Dry clutch on the bike makes life easier. Which reminds me, I'd better go and check that it'll start!

Thanks for your pointers, guys.

 

[dave]

if you know how to use a spanner you should be able to do it your self, just every thing is heavier than a bike.

 

[fingers99]

if you know how to use a spanner you should be able to do it your self, just every thing is heavier than a bike.

And much of it underneath...............

But, yes, I'd sooner do the valve shims on a Ducati than on an 8v Cinq.

 

[moto748]

But, yes, I'd sooner do the valve shims on a Ducati than on an 8v Cinq.

Really? Fortunately, the Ducati valve clearances don't need doing that often, and mine were done last year. It's a fiddly job, though, and some people prefer to take the head off and do it 'on the bench' for ease of access.

I'm afraid I am a complete wuss wrt anything more taxing than oil and filter changes on cars. At any rate, the car is booked in for next week, and I took the bike to work today, the milder weather has come at just the right time.

 

[fingers99]

We used to check the bevel bikes at 1,000 miles -- most of the time they'd need doing. my 8v manuals went in the great hard drive crash, but the Monster should be checked at 7500k.

Of course, it's easier/cheaper/etcd. to pull the heads on the air cooled engines.

I think much of what makes it more enjoyable is the sense that you're doing something important to a great motor, with the spirit of Ing. Taglioni peerring over your shoulder: you just don't get that from modern car engines, even if it does quieten down the top end!

 

[moto748]

There's no doubt that just looking at one of those heads you can see it's a magnificent piece of engineering. The guy who services my bikes, who is one of the best Ducati experts in the country, has a lovely bevel. Bit too labour-intensive for me, though!