Clutch replacement

mckeig · Post by **mckeig** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 3:30 pm

How difficult a job is a clutch replacement on a 1980 Spider? I am mechanically savvy and have done engine swaps and other big ticket items by myself, though never a clutch. Can it be done by one person, in a day?
My local shop quoted $850 parts and labor which I don't have.

Also, is there a good vendor from whom I should buy the rebuilt unit?

Thanks for your help!

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 3:42 pm

I'd suggest new clutch parts rather than rebuilt, prices won't be much more for new stuff. $850 is a little on the high side, but you're not listing everything they're going to do on the job. With a hoist and proper tools, a clutch replacement should take about 4 to 5 hours. Of course, extras can add to the time and cost. For instance, replacing the rear main seal, servicing the driveshaft, center support or flex joint can easily add an hour or so. Replacing the tranny front seal or mount, resurfacing the flywheel all add to the task.
Without any extras, the clutch set should run $150, labor about $300 or so depending on labor rates in your area.
If you're going to tackle the job yourself, make sure you can get the car raised high enough for access, and have a long extension and a set of swivel sockets

mckeig · Post by **mckeig** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 3:53 pm

Thanks for the info. Labor here is $95/hr and the shop is specializes in Fiat (which hopefully means they can do it fast, being familiar with the car...)

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 5:32 pm

is it Wine Country Motors?

mckeig · Post by **mckeig** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 5:53 pm

yes, it is.

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 9:00 pm

my tranny guy did it for $500.00 in a day, with his parts included.

I supplied the car and the clutch cable.

he even picked up the disabled vehicle in my driveway.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 10:05 pm

Wine Country is a good Fiat shop, but as I wrote, the price is high depending on how comprehensive the work is

manoa matt · Post by **manoa matt** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 1:43 pm

Most clutch parts manufacturers and suppliers will not warranty the the clutch parts unless you have the flywheel resurfaced at the same time as replacing the parts. And like Mark said, DON'T buy remanufactured clutch components, its not worth it. This is one of those "While your at it" type situations. If you don't know, or are unshure of the condition of the throwout bearing, clutch cable, and rear main oil seal, you might as well plan on replacing those parts. It would be a shame to get it all back together and then two months later, your clutch fails because of a bad bearing, or starts to slip because of a leaky rear main oil seal. These parts are cheep and pretty easy to install.

good luck

thanks

Matt Scarton

Clutch replacement

Clutch replacement

clutch repacement