Engine out, should I replace the clutch?

[matthew.lewis2]

As my engine is being replaced in a few weeks time, I wondered how much of a saving (in hours) should there be if I had the clutch replaced whilst the engine was out, as opposed to under normal ircumstances? I heard on here it takes 5-6 hrs normally to replace?

The clutch has 25k miles on it, and not showing any feel of letting go yet, but, as the opportunity has arisen, thought it may be prudent to replace the clutch now.

Also, anyone know the parts only price of a new Audi clutch for the B7 RS4?

[ArthurPE]

the only way to know is to measure it...

if it's 25% worn, no...if it's > 50%, yes...

[matthew.lewis2]

the only way to know is to measure it...

if it's 25% worn, no...if it's > 50%, yes...

Not really answering the question there Arthur, but thanks for taking the time to anyway.

What I really want to understand is the time differential between replacing a clutch when the engine is already out, as opposed to when the engine is insitu at the commencement of the operation.

[P_G]

In fairness it reads that you are asking 2 questions one of which Arthur has answered one. Considering how few miles your car has done, unless Audi are going to do it FOC I would leave the original clutch in unless you were going to specifically upgrade it to a race clutch for example.

As for time differential, I suspect 2 hours difference max and price = v.expensive.

[pippyrips]

Not sure about the clutch but i saw your new downpipes today at MRC!

[Caveman]

The clutch is around 240 for an Original part. It's much easier to replace when the engines out saving you many hours of labour. Probably take 1.5 hrs total once engines out.I know this as I've seen it done on a b7 rs4 having a stage 2 fitted

[matthew.lewis2]

Not sure about the clutch but i saw your new downpipes today at MRC!

Thats fantastic, not even paid for them yet!! shipping quotes so far are not too far off the cost of the downpipes themselves! Nevermind, the sound shall make it all worthwhile

[matthew.lewis2]

The clutch is around 240 for an Original part. It's much easier to replace when the engines out saving you many hours of labour. Probably take 1.5 hrs total once engines out.I know this as I've seen it done on a b7 rs4 having a stage 2 fitted

That decided then, only £240, a new clutch is going in.

[ArthurPE]

the only way to know is to measure it...

if it's 25% worn, no...if it's > 50%, yes...

Not really answering the question there Arthur, but thanks for taking the time to anyway.

What I really want to understand is the time differential between replacing a clutch when the engine is already out, as opposed to when the engine is insitu at the commencement of the operation.

you asked if you should replace the clutch:
I said the only way to know is measure it...
yours may have >75% of it's life left, or it may be shot...
if it has 75k miles + left, why replace it?

makes no economic sense to spend 240 plus labor to extend clutch life 25k...when it may be good to 100k as is...
240 sounds cheap from the dealer for the clutch/pressure plate/hardware
the M3 clutch from a dealer is $500...
change the fork lever, throwout bearing, pivot pin and spring while at it...

on the RS4 I've heard 8-10 hours to do a clutch job...

with the engine seperated from the tranny they should not really charge for the job, since the pressure plate must be removed from the old engine anyways and transfered...they can just install the new, instead of reinstall the old...

[aidanjaye]

Reckon if you plead long and hard, pay for the parts, Audi will probably fit the clutch FOC as a goodwill gesture.
After all, as others have said, when the engine / gearbox is split - much easier and quicker job.

[matthew.lewis2]

you asked if you should replace the clutch:
I said the only way to know is measure it...

Arthur,

Got to say I owe you an apology. I was in one helluva bad mood last night.

Re-reading my initial post I can see that the title "should I replace the clutch" was inappropriately worded for the intent of the post which was to ascertain a time differential, and to understand the technical exercise of replacing the clutch.

Thanks to everyone who replied, I have been enlightened.

[Caveman]

That's around 240 uk pounds not in $ for clutch kit.

[Caveman]

That's around 240 uk pounds not in $ for clutch kit.

[SR71]

FWIW, I was pleased to get 186K miles out of my original S2 clutch...

I doubt I'll get anywhere near that out of the RS4 one...

[ArthurPE]

you asked if you should replace the clutch:
I said the only way to know is measure it...

Arthur,

Got to say I owe you an apology. I was in one helluva bad mood last night.

Re-reading my initial post I can see that the title "should I replace the clutch" was inappropriately worded for the intent of the post which was to ascertain a time differential, and to understand the technical exercise of replacing the clutch.

Thanks to everyone who replied, I have been enlightened.

no need to apologize, we all have 'those days'

my only point was you have them measure it, if >25% worn, replace it...
probably will be, clutches on these cars imo will wear fast...

on a rwd car, it's traction limited: ie, chances are clutch will grab (not slip) and the tires will break traction (spin)...power>traction
this all happens fast, then the control systems kick in...

on an awd car, traction>power, so the 'give' (slip) is probably the clutch...ouch

240 UK ~ $400 US, sounds about right for a clutch/pressure plate