Clutch, to replace or not replace

[kennyr]

Howdy wise burghers of the maserati interwebs, I bought my 4200 6 months ago and after an inauspicious start all has been well for the last 4000 miles. However, a liitle while back an owl (it was the only way I could think of to describe the noise) moved into drive train. Google helpfully brought me back to a few posts here which also had the owl and identified the culprit as the spigot bearing. Now here is my dilema, do I change the clutch at the same time? The current wear indication is around the 50% mark and was last changed 14000 miles ago. An extra £750 plus an hours labour seems to be the going rate for changing the clutch at the same time. Similarly If I do change the clutch is it wise to change the release bearing at the same time. I don't believe it was done last time.

My current thinking is to replace the clutch but being a tight assed scotsman I'd be very interested in any arguments against.

Cheers,

Kenny

 

[dickygrace]

I'd be for it, sorry as it's more cash but while your paying for most of the labour, it's worth doing. Shop around for quotes as it might save you £500 to take it somewhere further afield for a day.

 

[conaero]

Well, its your lucky day!

Spigot bearing failure is recognised as a sub standard part by Maserati UK and as such you should be able to demand they pay for it all.

As you probably know, they have to remove the clutch to replace it...

So, if I were you, have the clutch plate only changed at your expense if you wish to be 'Scottish' or if it were me, I would pay for both cover and plate to be replace, making sure the cover is the more modern, dual tang plate.

PM Lozcb as he is the 'aficionado' in this field

 

[jpmondalek]

Kenny, I think most folks on here will recommend you do it all at the same time and not have to spend similar money again in the near future in the event one of the other components fail...be wise and don't cut corners and you'll avoid any unpleasant surprises in the future.

 

[biturbov6]

This sounds crazy i know, but is the noise still there if you pull out the engine oil dip stick with the engine running?
Early cars have too much crankcase vacuum. There's a modified breather hose and a valve for the vacuum hose to oil tank.
Talk to a good Indy' if pulling out the stick quietens it down

 

[safrane]

I doubt Maserati will assist on any 4200/GS coupe given the age of the cars.

My Owl only came out when cold, and as such left it alone until the clutch was likley to need replacing...that was 2 years and then sold in the summer.

 

[kennyr]

@all, thanks for the replies chaps, You've pretty much confirmed what I knew made sense anyway. It's looking at being around £1900 to get the bearings + clutch replaced at my nearest Indy. £2500 at Grey Paul.

@Conaero, I've sent a PM to Lozcb, I dug through the service history last night and noticed that the pilot (is that the same thing as spigot?) bearing was replaced along with clutch in July 2009 after the owner complained of a "high pitched noise" on take-off. Dunno if that changes anything but might make the case for Maserati UK help a bit better...

@biturbov6, I owned an alfa for the past 6 years so I'm well versed in the crazy I'll give this a try at some point over the weekend.

Cheers,

Kenny

 

[Yeti]

A friend of mine changed the clutch plates on his Focus RS, within a week the thrust bearing went and he had to strip it all down again to replace that! I know it's a good bit of money, but I think I would always have it all changed at the same time.

 

[Parisien]

Also......if in any doubt check/change the flywheel......some say it should chenged at every 2nd clutch change.....


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