My 1996 Ranger developed a clutch problem on Friday. I got it to the shop and this is what they said:

"The cause of the problem is the throw-out bearing. To fix it we recommend that you replace the following:

Throw Out bearing
Clutch Kit
Slave Cylinder
Machine flywheel
Rear Main Seal"

~~~~~

With parts and labor the total comes to $1100 and I really can't afford that right now. My truck has 117000 miles on it and has NEVER been any problem.

Has anyone experienced similar problems?
Are all these things really necessary?
How hard is it to replace a throw out bearing myself?
What would you do?

HELP

 

I put clutches in full size trucks myself for about $120. Is your slave cylinder on the outside of the bellhousing? You can do this yourself. I would rent a transmission jack. I would put in a new clutch while you have it apart.

 

The slave cylinder is inside the bell housing.

 

I have not done one of the internal ones yet. Just be sure to have instructions on how to bleed it.

 

Quote:

"The cause of the problem is the throw-out bearing. To fix it we recommend that you replace the following:

Hi forty_caliber...
The idea behind the replacement of all of those parts is to avoid the removal and re-installation of the transmission to replace a failed part later. But...you do have 117000 miles on the truck.
I would analyze the parts that you really could go without. If the flywheel is not blackened or blue from heat and it shows no real sign of cracking or wear then you could probably go without the resurfacing of that part. If you don't see any signs of oil leakage at the rear seal then you could probably get away without replacing that part.
But in pulling the transmission to do the throw out bearing I would replace...the throw out bearing and clutch assembly (complete with pilot bearing). This is the minimum that you can get away with.
This is not a 3 hour job and requires only two special tools to do it. A line up tool for the clutch driven plate and pressure plate and a torque wrench. Neither of these tools are required if you have experience in the R/R of transmissions, as there are ways around the line up of the disk and pressure plate. If you don't have a good feel for torque I do suggest that you still use the torque wrench.
I will suggest that you get a book on this if you have never done this job. Read what is involved in the job and you may find that you would rather not try to do it yourself.

 

I have a 95 Ranger with 150k on it and heard a noise when depressing the clutch. The mechanic told me pretty much the same thing.The throw out bearing needs replaced and suggested doing the clutch kit while they have it apart. I have being driving it about 7 weeks since they told me that, he said I may notice that shifting may get more difficult before the bearing goes completely. My estimate to repair was about $950.

 

Hey guys! It's not really the price of parts, but the price of labor! Like 3-RANGERS said... It's not a 3 hour job.
I have a great mechanic though.. He lets me buy the parts and he installs them. Plus he knocks off $25.00 per hour when I assist him.
Not everyone is so lucky though. Some of you have been taken for rides, you never thought you'd ever see your rig again!
But, you may want to consider having the work done if you've never done it before or think it may be too much right now.
I'll beg and barrow, because I hate being without my rig....
Talk with you guys later....

 

It does not cost much to resurface the flywheel, don't skip that part.

 

In addition to and similarily to what JoePa and Forty_Calibur are saying, my 92 Ranger has 155,00 miles on it . The clutch is original I think. It is not slipping but apparently needs to be bled or serviced. Should I replace at least the throw-out bearing and maybe the clutch assy? thanks tony

 

I used to feel lucky when I got 20,000 out of a clutch. I would replace the clutch, slave cyl, and pilot bearing. Learn how to do it yourself. You will save a ton of money.

 

The cost on the parts will be around 200 - 250 depending on a few variables. It does seem that the labor is excessive. Give m a call with more specifics on your truck and I will give you an exact cost on the parts. Whe doing this job you will ned to resurface the flywheel (35-40), replace the slave cyl (this is internal and the rel brg mounts on), and a complete clutch kit which will include the presuure plate, disc, rel brg, pilot brg and alignment tool. Le me know. 888-462-2739

 

I would get a second opinion from another mechanic or maybe two other mechanics. $1100 is excessive and probably more than the truck is worth with all those miles on it. Do as the others have suggested and try and do it yourself if you can. In my humble opinion, if you can't do neither, junk the trunk and buy a new one. My '97 has 141,000 miles on the original clutch, when it goes, so does the whole truck.
Actually from what I have heard, the clutch is suppose to last "the life of the truck".

 

181,000 miles original clutch... bout time for a new one though, not slipping yet, but i can't be hard on it and expect to go anywhere