Clutch slip?

Simonfryan

Simonfryan

New Member
Messages
248
So I've only driven the GS around 4 times since taking ownership 2 weeks ago and each time seems to throw up some new idiosyncrasies or possible issues that I wasn't previously aware of.

I'm not sure if I'm just over sensitive to the fact that these cars chew through clutches, but the last couple of times I've taken the car out I think I'm getting clutch slip in first. The car takes a lot of revs to set off and when it does it feels rough until the car is properly moving (worn pressure plate/release bearing corm to mind).

At the last major service at 43k miles it had a clutch reading of 27% worn, the car has now done just over 49k. It will be going in to Dick Lovett for a service in late Jan/early Feb so I should get a new reading then, but I think I already know that it won't be good news.

I fully expected to have to have a clutch fitted during my ownership of the car so it might just be a bit sooner than I'd hoped. However can anyone give me an idea of what to expect to pay at an Indie? I've heard figures ranging anywhere from around £1500 to £2500, so if anyone can enlighten me I'd be interested to know what I need to budget for it.

Also. my local Porsche specialist says that he's worked on 3200s and 4200s before (he also maintains Ferraris and Astons), and his hourly rate is pretty reasonable - around £40 p/hr I think. However he doesn't have the SD2/3 diagnostic equipment. Is this necessary/essential for clutch replacement? I would've thought that it is, as the sensor/ECU must need to be reset to give a true reading of the new clutch, but does anyone know before I ask him?
 
M

MAF260

Member
Messages
7,662
The clutch always slips a bit on take off. You need to be assertive with the throttle control - don't feather it, press it so the clutch engages quickly. If you're in traffic then I suggest letting the vehicle in front move off a reasonable amount before you press the throttle. It's what I do and nobody behind me has ever beeped their horn!
Clutch readings should also be taken as a guide only. I bought my car with a reading of just 8% wear, so made the reasonable assumption that the clutch was quite new - 7 months later I had to have a new clutch fitted as the pressure plate had failed (I believe they tend to do this rather than wear the friction plate down). The reading was clearly wrong as the clutch components were far from new. It turns out that the sensor was very dirty (possibly not cleaned during the previous clutch fitting) and so throwing the reading out.
Budget around £2k for a replacement clutch from an indie, I'd very much recommend Autoshield in Manchester (I live in London!). Don't skimp on any parts during a clutch change. You'll definitely need a new pressure plate and friction plate, but may need a flywheel (I did), new release bearing (seals can be replaced for less money, but do you want to take the chance?), spigot bearing, various seals and possibly the clutch sensor. Although the parts aren't cheap, at least half the cost is labour. I believe that SD2/3 is needed to set the PIS etc properly.

Having said all of the above I think you're just not used to the car yet or how to get the best from the clutch/gearbox. Unless the clutch is slipping in higher gears I reckon it's your driving style that needs to adjust to the car - a lot cheaper than a new clutch!!
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,938
I think MAF has the right of it. It took me quite a while to get used to the 4200. Given the god awful weather that set in after I purchased it in Nov 2012, I figure about 6 months.

These cars (at least the 4200 variant) are *not* quick off the line. (We were discussing this very thing in the pub yesterday). They do give the impression as a new driver that nothing is happening. If you react by backing off the throttle, it simply confuses the **** out of the little brain. Be assertive. Perhaps find some empty road / large car park and practice some take offs?

Also, you're not still in Auto, are you?

C
 
safrane

safrane

Member
Messages
16,908
Simon...get in touch with Myles at Emblem and arrange a visit I am sure the team will be able to solve this and the other issues you are having. And the car and their idiosyncrasies do take a lot of getting used to.
 
2b1ask1

2b1ask1

Special case
Messages
20,307
Also if you are using auto and or non-sport mode it will feel slippy as it tries to soften the launch; learn to give that extra space in traffic like MAF says :)
 
C

Chrisbassett

Member
Messages
3,909
Simon, very much as the others have said already, the driving style the clutch control responds to on take off does need a bit of experimentation to get it right, people around me usually give me dirty looks when I set off as it sounds aggressive for sleepy hampstead, but that kicks the clutch into biting earlier and makes for a cleaner getaway...a blip of the throttle on take off is my favourite way.

If you do need a replacement, it's between £1500 and £2k including labour depending on what you need to replace and where you go. Autoshield did mine earlier this year (I'm also in London, but they came highly recommended) and I think the clutch was £1700 total, but it was part of a larger piece of work so can't be 100% on the number. They inspected and replaced everything that needed replacing. I would recommend a Maserati specialist, if only because they will have all the right SD systems already there and should get it right first time.
 
Last edited:
Simonfryan

Simonfryan

New Member
Messages
248
Thanks for all the comments guys., though I've realised that it's just that I can't drive :blushed:

I took the car out today and it seemed to behave much better - which I've realised is consistent with me just getting a bit more used to the car. I'm not using Auto (Auto isn't working on my car) and I experimented a bit today and found that I need to use a bit more gas in Sport mode than in normal mode to get a clean take off.

Hopefully the clutch isn't as worn as I was starting to suspect, but let's see what the reading says when the car goes in to Dick Lovett at the end of Jan.
 
outrun

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
I collected mine from Loz in Milton Keynes and drove it straight to Glasgow. The traffic until past Manchester was awful and it took me a good few hours to get used to it. Try waiting for dry roads and grabbing by the scruff of the neck to get more used to the biting point etc. It's a car that feels very different at first and will take some time to adjust to. Once you are ore comfortable, you will, i'm sure, realise why everyone that has one of so enthusiastic. For now, everything that you have been doing for years in manual or automatic cars can be thrown out of the window while you learn a different way of doing things!

I like you're parking style by the way, two spaces miles from any other cars!
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

Member
Messages
21,040
I think you can become paranoid about the clutch on 4200s, i know I am. I have told myself it will need one at some point so just enjoy it until it does.

Initial take up especially in the morning takes some getting used to. My driveway slopes down but then the road slopes up and it makes getaways in the morning feel a bit strange. I have come to the conclusion that more throttle is better, the clutch bites quicker and the car moves off much smoother. Being gentle with the throttle seems to cause more slip.

I once tried to reverse up the drive but it was clear the clutch was not happy with that.
 
mjheathcote

mjheathcote

Centenary Club
Messages
9,046
Simonfryan said:
Thanks for all the comments guys., though I've realised that it's just that I can't drive :blushed:

I took the car out today and it seemed to behave much better - which I've realised is consistent with me just getting a bit more used to the car. I'm not using Auto (Auto isn't working on my car) and I experimented a bit today and found that I need to use a bit more gas in Sport mode than in normal mode to get a clean take off.

Hopefully the clutch isn't as worn as I was starting to suspect, but let's see what the reading says when the car goes in to Dick Lovett at the end of Jan.
Click to expand...

Always worth a watch if you are new to the gearbox.

[video=youtube;_gV-J1OF_t4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gV-J1OF_t4[/video]
 
You must log in or register to reply here.