fredmr39

My clutch fork just snapped when starting the car the other day. I had it towed to a shop because I didn't have time to spend on in (DD) without knowing what exactly I was getting into.

Shop tells me today that I will need: new clutch kit, flywheel, slave cylinder, and fork -- all parts/labor will run me $865.

Now... if I needed all that work, that does seem like a fair price for parts/labor. But can a clutch fork going really cause all these problems? I have have magnified the problem by starting it and repeatedly pressing/releasing the clutch... I could hear grinding, but didn't sound too terrible.

From what I've read, clutch forks aren't really supposed to break - and this may be an indication of another problem clutch related -- in that case, is replacing advisable anyway?

Clutch is original, with about 135k miles on it. I've been really gentle on it...wish I wouldn't have been had I known this.

Thanks for any info!

EDIT: On another note...I guess whether it needs to or doesn't need to be done - now seems like the ideal time to do it all given the fact that it is all original and I plan on having this car for a while. My opti is original...so that's going to go soon too. What do you all think? (do I need all this and if not is it a good time regardless) Not sure what clutch kit exactly is ordered - just know it's a RAM.

fredmr39

Maybe I'm thinking of this in the wrong direction... a more likely scenario could be the pressure plate was messed up, causing the fork to snap - and that's why there are all these issues? Or maybe the throwout bearing bound up?

rngilliland

With that many miles I would replace all that stuff while they are there. The slave could have been damaged when the fork broke if it extended too far. I don't know why they would replace the flywheel but it would at least need resurfacing when replacing the clutch. The fork may have broken just because of age.

fredmr39

Thanks for the feedback - found almost no info on the fork breaking in these cars. The threads I did find seem to mention that the issue only comes up about once a year.

I stopped by earlier and forgot to ask about the flywheel - he must have mentioned it assuming I would know he meant resurfacing... given overall price (and logic) that must be what he meant.

Thanks for the advice on the slave - that was one of the items I was really questioning if it needed replacement. I saw the clutch... it doesn't have much more life left, which is why he decided to go ahead and do the whole kit. I misinterpreted him on the phone - it sounded like he was implying that there was significantly more damage than the fork -- but really I think his conclusion was: the fork could have broken from age...but there might be other issues with the pressure plate or throwout bearing binding or who knows what -- clutch has 135k miles on it anyway...why not do it all while we're here. And I would agree with all that - so, it is what it is.

I guess I just wish if something were going to break...I always envisioned it as a 5800 RPM shift when a part bravely sacrificed itself.... not starting the damn car.