Think my clutch is on the way out

[Badger]

I ran our other car, a 1.9 TDI Touran with a Valeo SMF for about a month. It was an absolute nightmare, it wouldn't release the gears properly, made a real racket at 2k rpm and generally didn't feel 'right'. It put me off the whole SMF thing to be honest, and I ended up having to fork out for a standard set up again.

I suppose it is all supposition and rumour as to longer term reliability, but then the vibration does have to go somewhere. On the other hand, SMF's are a more tried and tested technology...

For me though running standard on a daily drive an SMF doesn't really offer me anything other than it being lighter I guess. Just drove to work and the clutch held up all the way. I'm wondering if heat is part of the problem, I wonder if it only starts to let go once it's hot. Still going to change it though!

I did have a problem fitting a Valeo kit to mine last year (new engine) but replaced with SACHS DMF before big upgrades.

The standard setup is fine even when remapped so if you can afford to replace, it's better. Maybe you weren't harsh enough to the car this morning lol

 

[Lowe]

Possibly aye. I'm looking on this as a forced upgrade haha

 

[Lowe]

Just spoke to CG Motorsport - they seem good on the phone. Went through the options from a monster that handles 450lbs/ft to something a little more reasonable that I think will do the job.

 

[MattLaneUK]

I've got a Darkside SMF setup, not the quietest in the world but the difference is night and day.

Not many stories with destroyed gearboxes and SMF. There are stories of smashed bell housings when DMF fails at high RPM....

How much did that set you back mate? I'd really like one but the prices i've seen bring tears to my eye!

 

[Badger]

They are eye watering but I'm pushing down 410ft/lbs so need a good clutch. £960 all in

 

[MattLaneUK]

*****ing hell. And that was even more than I thought. I simply don't have that kind of budget!

 

[Lowe]

Just ordered the CGMotorsport dual friction clutch/cylinder and a Sach DMF. Managed to get the DMF down to £186 from CP4L with a voucher. TPS want £475+ VAT for the flywheel alone!

 

[Badger]

£475?! That's mental!

ECP and CP4L are really good. Sometime CP4L are better as they appear to match ECP's 50% off deals plus offer an extra off dependant on final price

 

[MattLaneUK]

Check their ebay store. It can be cheaper usually!

I've never heard of CP4L. Look like a subsidiary of ECP

 

[Badger]

Check their ebay store. It can be cheaper usually!

I've never heard of CP4L. Look like a subsidiary of ECP

They are linked. Some people have managed to get parts bought from CP4L exchanged or returned at their local ECP center.

 

[MattLaneUK]

Wonder if there is any advantage buying over each other. Did a quick check on a few parts and came out the same.

I did find a combleted Cambelt kit & Water Pump from ECP for £56 on eBay i'm probably going to purchase.

 

[Badger]

Wonder if there is any advantage buying over each other. Did a quick check on a few parts and came out the same.

I did find a combleted Cambelt kit & Water Pump from ECP for £56 on eBay i'm probably going to purchase.

When ECP don't have their 50% offer on, CP4L is best and cheaper. When ECP have the offer on, not much difference between.

Well unless CP4L have there £10 off £100 etc...

 

[MattLaneUK]

When ECP don't have their 50% offer on, CP4L is best and cheaper. When ECP have the offer on, not much difference between.

Well unless CP4L have there £10 off £100 etc...

Thats true. Thats a good deal.

Im guessing its only the SACH SMFs which take more than the Valeos available then. Would love a half way house without chatter tbh :-/

 

[Badger]

The setup that Lowe has ordered will be fine with a remap. No SMF chatter and able to take more power.

 

[MattLaneUK]

Any ideas how many hours labour it takes to fit a kit like this buddy?

 

[Badger]

The same as a normal clutch kit, 6 hours.

 

[MattLaneUK]

Rightyo, thanks!

 

[Lowe]

Well best laid plans always seem to go boobs north. *sigh* Bit of info that might be useful for anyone looking to go down this route.

CG Motorsport emailed last night highlighting that the dual friction kit requires an SMF (I've ordered a DMF from elsewhere). The phone line was pretty bad and I misunderstood, thinking that the 'heavy duty' clutch that requires a SMF they'd spoken about in our first email (450lbs/ft) was something else rather than the dual friction. Turns out it's not. I've emailed them asking if my order can be amended to another clutch we spoke about (handles 350lbs/ft) which I thought was the dual friction kit. I have no idea what this actual kit is called - I'm awaiting an email back to clarify. Will keep you informed.

 

[MattLaneUK]

Ah mate. That's rubbish. Hope it's all sorted out. Keep us posted

 

[Badger]

Sorry to hear about the confoosion!

Hope you get it sorted soon enough.