Hi - 2009 RX8 65K miles

wife drives on the mass turnpike rush hour 2 days wk heavy traffic big time clutch use

noticed the grab point is higher than it was and a slight, almost imperceptible shudder at low gear so i figure the clutch is headed south so a coupla questions

1) is this likely to go suddenly so shes stuck?
2) can i fix this myself - ive done the plugs coils and wires so i know the car a bit and the tools i have and im not a-scared.
3) alternately will an indy be cool with this or should i go dealer?

 

Hard to judge, but yes a clutch can become ineffective pretty quickly. Traffic shouldn't be wearing it out that much though unless she's really riding it. Not a driveway job IMO, you have to remove the transmission, align everything correctly. Better to leave it to a professional. Indy or dealer is up to you, but I think you have an overall better chance with the dealer not doing it wrong.

Before you jump to conclusions though, do this: go about 2500 rpm in 4th, just above the point where the engine lugs. Give full gas and watch your speed an rpm. If the clutch is slipping, you will see rpm rise without a corresponding rise in speed, or the rpm will fluctuate and not rise steadily.

The pedal can be adjusted to set the friction point wherever you want, see if you can adjust it back to where it was and see if it moves again.

 

THanks, I'll check that out