Kerstine Bennington

Hey, So the other day I was driving down the road and my car would not get in or out of gear. I stopped the car and it still would not enter any gears. I turned it off, put it in gear, and turned the car on, which kinda roll started it, so I knew for sure that my clutch had gone. The shop wants 1200 dollars for a clutch job. From what I have read, this seems to be around 400 dollars too high. Can anyone tell me what you paid for a clutch job, or why it might be so high?

Junkman 6394226

High-priced clutches from OEM suppliers. I usually got quoted for about $500 ish when I was asking around, so I got the tools and did it myself.

Kerstine Bennington

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I don't have the time or space right now to do it myself (college). Would it be significantly cheaper if I get an aftermarket clutch?
Also, what are the other components necessary for this? I don't need a flywheel, I'm just getting it resurfaced, and I'll need a throwout bearing. Anything else? OR is the rest just stuff they are replacing to get extra money?

Junkman 6394226

Exedy Stage 1 Clutch Kit w/HD Release Bearing | Black Halo Racing

^ That one right there. Has a slightly higher rating than the stock clutch and slightly cheaper! BHR has free shipping and the best customer support you could ever ask for, and that kit has everything you'll need (yes, throwout bearing).

But $1,200 does seem a bit high, even with high labor rates. I'm not sure where that extra cost is coming from. Ask around.

Kerstine Bennington

Thank you so much

zendrums

iTrader: (2)

Are you 100% positive that the clutch is gone? I had a the exact same problem, turned out to be a broken clutch pedal bracket. If the pedal bracket becomes skewed, the clutch pedal push rod will not go far enough into the master cylinder.

If it 100% is the clutch, I've got a brand new one for sale. Exedy Stage 1 Organic HD - Part number 10803AHD.

Looking to get $350 shipped.

PJLyons

iTrader: (3)

$1200 is around what I paid Fall of 2011 for a new clutch installed at a dealer in Minnesota. 600 in parts and 600 in labor. I can look up the details if you want.


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Kerstine Bennington

zendrums- thank you, I will check it out. if it is the clutch, I may take you up on that. Where do you live? The only problem is that I am on a time constraint.

Kerstine Bennington

I don't think it is my pedal, I did not have to pull it back up off the floor, and it was functioning just fine with no squeaks or anything.

Kerstine Bennington

Does your clutch include everything i need? Throwout bearing, etc?

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

You don't want a stiffer clutch. Its only extra cost, harder on your leg and clutch pedal, and absolutely not needed

Stock Replacement RX8 Clutch Kit- Complete for RX8

zendrums

iTrader: (2)

That doesn't mean that the pedal isn't busted. Your clutch sticking to the floor would either be a bad spring or hydraulics. Squeaking is generally the spring. My pedal bracket started ripping apart where the bolt comes through from the master cylinder. There were no sounds and failure was immediate. I adjusted the push rod and it started working fine...for a day or two. Then when it happened again, I took the pedal out and found the tear. i wasn't able to see it by just getting under there. Could cost you a whole lot less than a clutch replacement. I'd check it first.

I bought the stage 1 hd organic because I got an awesome deal on it and it hardly costs any more. I really don't think it's significantly harder to depress, and if you plan on driving your car aggressive, why wouldn't you want a stronger clutch that feels almost stock?

Just my $.02

zendrums

iTrader: (2)

Yes, it has the clutch disk, pressure plate, TO bearing, pilot bearing, grease, and adjustment tool. Like I said, it's new in box. Would be coming from Nebraska.

Kerstine Bennington

Thanks Zendrums, I appreciate the help. And I have no problem with a stiff clutch. My WRX has a stage 3 clutch, so I have no problem with that. And I will get back to you on possibly purchasing that. I live in Michigan.

zendrums

iTrader: (2)

Any more updates on this? Did you try the adjustment or rip the pedal out?

04Green

iTrader: (1)

Getting in late here,

I echo sticking with the OEM style clutch. If the flywheel is coming out for a resurface, I would really think hard about a light one with the counterweight. It is the best mod I made to my car, by far. And, I wish I had stayed away from the Stage 1 clutch. I ordered the parts, then took it apart. Car had 100,000 miles on the original clutch and it showed no real wear. The throw-out bearing was in about 20 pieces, and it trashed the pressure plate, but the clutch was fine. It is not that it is too heavy, it is just that the entire car is so light, it makes the clutch feel wrong.

And, if you shared your location, someone might be able to recommend a shop....

ghost9light

I have replaced 4 clutches on RX-8's and plan to do more.
I'm by far NOT a mechanic... well at least not certified anyway, and with the 8 ive learned as i went, im even doing a rebuild on my personal daily driven 8 now. (that cost about $1,800 with the rebuild kit through Atkins)
But every time i got an 8, ive had two of them and done 3 of the changes on my own cars and one on a friends.
The labor is what gets you. An aftermarket clutch on EBay, Stage 3 ceramic with pressure plate from F1 racing only runs about $350. Compare that to OEM and you save ALOT and have a nice grippy clutch set up. The F1 i had experimentally put in my car then my friends they never failed my car was board sided by a drunk driver, and i bought a new 2005 Shinka and put it in that too. But the shinka had a VERY worn flywheel and i once again but another clutch set up, that time an ACT Clutch package with Flywheel, pressure plate and and stage 3 ceramic clutch. The ACT cost ALOT more but about the same if not a little more the the OEM.
So i hope this helps you a bit, there are many how to guides on the Club that can show you how to do it. I do Recommend that you have a friend help you with the heavy lifting though. good luck.