Clutch replacement

[headlight]

When I recently had my 2006 Fiat Ducato 2.3 litre based MH serviced the garage said the clutch biting point was high and that the clutch didn't have much life left in it.
The garage quoted £1020 including Vat to do the job.
Does that sound reasonable ?

 

[OllyHughes]

Had mine replaced 2 years ago, at 92,000 mls, as a matter of course, was okay, would have done more miles, but had rear crankshaft oil seal done plus some other jobs, so thought better safe than sorry.Total cost £669

 

[sonar]

Just picked up swifty the Moho after the new clutch.
it has made a massive difference . Much much smoother to drive.
the clutch pedal now disengages the clutch about mid pedal now so feels comfortable.
just like a car clutch .smooth.

I have a lot more confidence in driving it now the timing belt has also been changed plus a few other small parts replaced
new brake fluid the other was black. Mileage now 18933

total price £ 1124.44. and worth every penny .

now all I have to do is find some diesal fuel.

 

[Dunslow]

We did sons clutch this afternoon. Garage that fitted the last one said the flywheel needed machining. We stripped it, the pressure plate was truly knackered, nothing wrong with flywheel (clocked), or friction plate. That was a new LUK clutch 8 months ago. If it was the same owner (son just bought it) it should have been under warranty, BUT garage that fitted clutch told previous owner it was the flywheel at fault. All done and tested, ready for work on Monday. I will be showing/ disposing of the LUK clutch with the garage that fitted it. (They will probably make a warranty claim against it and get a refund)

Just picked up swifty the Moho after the new clutch.
it has made a massive difference . Much much smoother to drive.
the clutch pedal now disengages the clutch about mid pedal now so feels comfortable.
just like a car clutch .smooth.

I have a lot more confidence in driving it now the timing belt has also been changed plus a few other small parts replaced
new brake fluid the other was black. Mileage now 18933

total price £ 1124.44. and worth every penny .

now all I have to do is find some diesal fuel.

Did the garage explain WHY the brake fluid was black? It's normally due to Flexi hoses or seals going and shedding black rubber into the fluid. A sample of fluid would have told them why, rather than just replace the fluid. And each corner would/ should have pointed to where the issue is/ was. Although mileage low, what's the age? out of curiosity.

 

[sonar]

We did sons clutch this afternoon. Garage that fitted the last one said the flywheel needed machining. We stripped it, the pressure plate was truly knackered, nothing wrong with flywheel (clocked), or friction plate. That was a new LUK clutch 8 months ago. If it was the same owner (son just bought it) it should have been under warranty, BUT garage that fitted clutch told previous owner it was the flywheel at fault. All done and tested, ready for work on Monday. I will be showing/ disposing of the LUK clutch with the garage that fitted it. (They will probably make a warranty claim against it and get a refund)

Did the garage explain WHY the brake fluid was black? It's normally due to Flexi hoses or seals going and shedding black rubber into the fluid. A sample of fluid would have told them why, rather than just replace the fluid. And each corner would/ should have pointed to where the issue is/ was. Although mileage low, what's the age? out of curiosity.

Never been changed in many years. It’s a 2003. Not serviced very often.
the engine oil was extremely thick. There is no antifreeze. the power steering fluid was next to empty.
All the brake pipes seem to be a black coloured metal pipes no rust the rubber to the front brakes calipers is in very good clean condition as well. I saw no wear when I checked the rear brake shoes on the brakes and the cylinders rubber parts are in good clean and supple order .

poor or no maintenance just enough of anything to keep it going.

a Little more to do to the engine fluid wise apart from that it runs like a new diesel engine for its age.

been going through making padded bags for all the. Pots and pans today and a quick run round the block and it’s quite quite now we have been going through any possible rattles. But there’s always going to be some.
it’s starting to get an enjoyable ride now.

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[mikebeaches]

Could your trusted local garage recommend another suitable garage to try. I'd expect them to know other local businesses in their trade that can be trusted.

However, IMHO there is something to be said for a Fiat specialist that knows their way round the idiosyncrasies of the vehicle. Although, from what you said, they might not be a Fiat franchise? Just a garage with long time specialist experience in the brand.

 

[Dunslow]

Never been changed in many years. It’s a 2003. Not serviced very often.
the engine oil was extremely thick. There is no antifreeze. the power steering fluid was next to empty.
All the brake pipes seem to be a black coloured metal pipes no rust the rubber to the front brakes calipers is in very good clean condition as well. I saw no wear when I checked the rear brake shoes on the brakes and the cylinders rubber parts are in good clean and supple order .

poor or no maintenance just enough of anything to keep it going.

a Little more to do to the engine fluid wise apart from that it runs like a new diesel engine for its age.

been going through making padded bags for all the. Pots and pans today and a quick run round the block and it’s quite quite now we have been going through any possible rattles. But there’s always going to be some.
it’s starting to get an enjoyable ride now.

With Flexi hoses made of rubber and nearly 20 years old now, might be worth giving them a good 'Flexi' to see if any cracking etc, or powdery surface. There is a reason that tyres over ten years old is an mot failure on commercials/ private hgv (horse boxes)/ buses/ minibuses.
And black has to come from somewhere.
(There will always be a rattle somewhere, it's the rule )

 

[sonar]

Could your trusted local garage recommend another suitable garage to try. I'd expect them to know other local businesses in their trade that can be trusted.

However, IMHO there is something to be said for a Fiat specialist that knows their way round the idiosyncrasies of the vehicle. Although, from what you said, they might not be a Fiat franchise? Just a garage with long time specialist experience in the brand.

Most likely their partner garage . A few more miles away than I would have gone.

 

[sonar]

With Flexi hoses made of rubber and nearly 20 years old now, might be worth giving them a good 'Flexi' to see if any cracking etc, or powdery surface. There is a reason that tyres over ten years old is an mot failure on commercials/ private hgv (horse boxes)/ buses/ minibuses.
And black has to come from somewhere.
(There will always be a rattle somewhere, it's the rule )

Checked them over while doing the brakes. The only thing that I can see is the metal ends to the hose are rusty the rubber itself is very bendy and supple . There are the other bits that have some metal spiral wrap .

anyway there already booked in to be done next time they have the space. Along with a mock mot.

But the way she’s talking here at home now is

New brake cables. Front pads hoses calipers and disks . Rear shoes new drums ..brake springs hoses and cylinders.

she’s been looking on YouTube again.

 

[sonar]

With Flexi hoses made of rubber and nearly 20 years old now, might be worth giving them a good 'Flexi' to see if any cracking etc, or powdery surface. There is a reason that tyres over ten years old is an mot failure on commercials/ private hgv (horse boxes)/ buses/ minibuses.
And black has to come from somewhere.
(There will always be a rattle somewhere, it's the rule )

Brake Fluid Color Guide

This brake fluid color guide shows you what bad brake fluid looks like and what to do if yours is. It is written by a mechanic with years of experience.

www.myautorepairadvice.com

can change colour with age.

and as i said before it was poorly maintained before we got it.

ours has been flushed today and I noticed right away the brakes are very sharp.
before it was hard on the brake and it came to a slow smooth stop.