Hi all-

Wondering if it seems normal that I would have to replace my clutch with only 38K miles. Car is a 2006 MCS. Had the slave cylinder replaced but that seems to have not cured the issue. I think the throwout bearing is the issue as it makes sounds when depressed. I am the second owner but have only owned the car a short time (months). If this is bad and will cost $2K to replace, what could be next? Considering dumping the car before I dump tons of money into the thing!

Thanks for any advise.

 

If the clutch isn't slipping I would leave it alone. The previous owner may have installed an aftermarket clutch as some of those have been known to chatter. However if the clutch is slipping its not entirely without reason that one of the owners may not actually know how to drive a manual. The r53 is a solid car once you take care of the wear items that previous owners usually neglect this is why no matter what car you are getting used I always recommend spending 2k under budget for maintenance and repair.

 

It isn't slipping. The clutch isn't smooth when pressing/depressing and you can hear the throwout bearing chatter. Last weekend it started making a squeaky sound when driving (like a dry wheel bearing) and then the clutch pedal went to the floor and stranded me and my daughter on the top of a 14,000 foot mountain. Had to tow it to a shop where he replaced the slave cylinder but now it doesn't downshift right and the squeaky noise is back after driving almost all the way home without it. I am afraid to even drive it now for fear it will strand me again!

 

Are you sure it's the throwout bearing that's chattering? The dual-mass flywheels have been known to chatter as well...particularly when the car is in neutral, and the clutch is not depressed (the flywheel chatter should go away when you depress the clutch pedal).

 

Sdiver:

The chatter happens when clutch is pressed in no matter the gear.

 

I just had clutch/flywheel/slave cylinder replaced on my '03 MCS. It was a little over 2 grand. It seems like your mileage is pretty low for that type of repair, as mine has 106k miles. I'd be very curious to know how your situation turns out, though.