Clutch!

[MAF260]

So, I've just heard from Marios at Autoshield. As suspected, the clutch pressure plate failed. Going to have everything replaced including the flywheel which will hopefully make the car drive like new. He sent me a picture of the failed part:

You can clearly see the fingers of the pressure plate have failed. No warning signs - the clutch started slipping really badly and then I couldn't engage reverse gear at all - this all happened within 10 minutes. Thankfully I'd got the car home so wasn't left stranded. It will be interesting to understand from Marios why he thinks it failed - poor fitting previously? The clutch reading was just 8% 3k miles ago.

 

[Parisien]

Mark.......this happens, a typical failure, not sure why, shame its so soon into its life....what did Marios say? Remind me, who put it in, surely if a reputable garage, they'd cover the labour aspect if its less than 12mths ago and done so few miles....ask Maserati?




P

 

[MAF260]

Unfortunately no idea, Frank. I have nothing within the paperwork I have for the car to show when or where the clutch was last changed. Asked a couple of MDs and they have no records either. Think I'll have to chalk it up to an unfortunate experience wallet-wise....

 

[Parisien]

There will be a part number on it, can trace when it was manufactured....grasping at straws really?

P

 

[Brendan]

Couldn' t you get the previous owner through where you bought it?

If you do you will have the problem that any guarantee on the clutch will not be transferable to you. When I had battery problems I had to go through the previous owner to get a replacement, did it in the end but it was a lot of hassle.

 

[adam01]

Another example of fingers collapsing

 

[conaero]

Mark if its any consultation my GS clutch went on the way home from Le Mans at least you got yours home.

It would appear that a sustained period of abuse might have something to do with it.

Incidentally, are you running the DBW mod?

It's strange how we see it in later cars and not so much in earlier cars?

Might just be me but maybe more aggressive software has something to do with it?

My GS went through clutches every 12k miles whereas my Spyder at 42k is still on the original.

 

[rossyl]

Maybe Sport mode is not that good for the clutch, when it's high revs and slamming it in to another gear?

 

[philw696]

My 2002 4200 cc has been in sports mode for 3 years since the day i bought her and driven hard plus tracked and i have no idea how much clutch left but she still feels good in my opinion.
Phil.

 

[Parisien]

Are these the replacement plates ( post 2005 I think) that are giving up.......when you think of it, why is it happening in our 4200s and not other similar cars? Another deficient design/quality issue?

P

 

[MAF260]

The previous owner has moved abroad so I have no way of contacting him. Even so, I'm sure that I have no recourse to the previous fitment of the clutch. The pressure plate has failed which I suppose could happen at any time. The car has been very well maintained by previous owners so I have no reason to think anything has been done to cut corners. Marios will no doubt be able to give me his view based on experience of seeing lots of these.
I don't have DBW fitted, the car is mechanically standard aside from the Larinis. It's a modification I've been considering but would be concerned if it's thought to have any detrimental effect on clutch performance/life.
It's all part of ownership of these cars, at least I know I'll have a brand new clutch, flywheel etc.
Incidentally I have a couple of mates who've owned new Minis and paid a similar amount to have a clutch changed. Imagine how that would feel!!

 

[Parisien]

You're not serious...re minis........thats even more horrific.....how can they justify that?! Ring Watchdog...etc...ombudsman...anyone!

P

 

[MAF260]

More pics...
Old flywheel - note the hot spots. This cannot have been replaced when the clutch was last changed, surely?


New flywheel and spigot bearing in situ - shiny!

 

[MAF260]

Just had a note from Marios saying that there is no way this clutch was new/recent (explains the lack of paperwork perhaps). He believes the positioning sensor wasn't picking up the clutch wear properly. I guess there is no way of determining this until the clutch wears out or fails, but that's no different to most cars - no possible clutch reading available.
I'm going to do some more digging on the car's history as looking at the pictures it's quite possible this is the original clutch - wouldn't be bad for 45k miles if so.

 

[Parisien]

If its the original you've done very well........almost a feeling of relief!

P

 

[Parisien]

The flywheel is completely knackered.......as he did with mine Marios also replaced the sensor, so it appears a combination of things led to the failure, not just one thing Mark


P

 

[MAF260]

To finish the story....
I took the train to Manchester yesterday to collect the car and Marios picked me up in his gorgeous black Spyder from the station. He took the time to go over what he had done to the car and we went for a test drive to make sure I was happy with everything. I then got a peek at a few of his cars - each a stunning example. The car drives quite differently now; it doesn't 'slam' into gear when nailing it in Sport mode and normal mode changes seem a little quicker and certainly smoother. Whilst going over my car the team found a few other bits that required changing - an oil pipe (Frank, you know the one!) a slight leak on the diff and some loose suspension bolts. They also adjusted the handbrake and gave the car back with all the Le Mans flies and muck removed! All clutch components and the flywheel were replaced.
What a pleasure it's been to deal with Marios. His customer service can only be described as excellent - he kept me well informed by phone, email and text throughout the time the car was in his care. He also texted me yesterday to make sure I arrived home safely and was happy with their work. I'd say 'delighted' was a better word! The final bill cannot be described as small, but for the work completed, the service I received and peace of mind I think it was good value.
Thanks again Marios and the Autoshield team if you read this.

 

[Parisien]

Thats the Autoshield experience Mark......great service and professionalism all around.

Yup...mine had one ends nut completely fractured...worthwhile everyone getting it checked on next service


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[Andyk]

Great to hear of brilliant customer service MAF..Glad all is now fine with our baby...Sorry your baby.

 

[MAF260]

Great to hear of brilliant customer service MAF..Glad all is now fine with our baby...Sorry your baby.

Haha Andy. She's in rude health now.