My 2004 MCS has almost 190k on it now, and I have owned it since May. Mileage of the clutch is unknown, but I have driven it hard and repaired a ton of other things and experienced no real slipping until...yesterday in IL it was about -2 and I decided to take a drive into Chicago about 100miles round trip from my house. On the way back, I was in 6th gear, and floored it, and got just a little bit of slip from the clutch. Did it 3-4 times and it was definitely slipping, but would catch right away if I eased into the throttle. Could the cold have helped it slip?

I really, really don't want to pay a shop to install a clutch right now. Have already spent so much time and money on this car, and was hoping to wait a few months before doing it myself. Couple local mini guys said they would help me in the Spring, but they can't help me right away. I don't get any noticeable slip around town on my daily commute. Have been driving it hard around town for months with no slip that I have noticed. Drove the car all day today and noticed no slipping in 1st, 2nd , 3rd , or 4th.

So, my question: if I baby it, do you think I can I get away with driving for a few months without doing the clutch? I am not hard on clutches- have been driving a manual for 20 years and all my cars are manual so Im pretty gentle with it. I plan on doing the valeo single mass, so could care less about heating up the flywheel. Mostly I dont want to get stranded as this is my only car now (selling my Tacoma tomorrow actually). Will the mini give me more warning and become noticeable in other gears before clutch gives out?

On a side note, if you have a used LSD you want to sell, I will probably do one when I do my clutch. Send me a PM

 

It could last a long time or just a few drives. It’s a crap shoot. Babying it will prolong it’s death but when it’s done, the car won’t move and need a tow. I had a girl that worked for me do the same thing. Hope you have AAA.

 

Well, I do have tow coverage on my insurance, but not excited about the prospect of breaking down on the highway or in the freezing temps. Wouldn't be the end of the world, but its a bad way to start your day...

 

If you baby it you should be able to tell when it’s getting worse and about to slip in all gears.

Since you’ll be slipping it, expect to replace the flywheel when you do the clutch. Consider the Valeo single-mass kit. Comes with flywheel and bolts for around $300. You’ll need 1-2 strong friends to help.