When to replace my Clutch?
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Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 53
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When to replace my Clutch?
I've got a 2000 F250 powerstroke 4wd with a 6 speed manual. The clutch has about 80,000 miles on it... and I'm wondering whether I should replace it as preventative maintenance. We travel down in Baja quite a bit hauling a heavy cabover camper... and I'd hate to have it go out there.
How long do clutches normally last... before they need replacing? What are the signs that a clutch is going out? If the clutch starts going out... is it a slow process where I can keep driving quite a bit... or does it go out rapidly.
How long do clutches normally last... before they need replacing? What are the signs that a clutch is going out? If the clutch starts going out... is it a slow process where I can keep driving quite a bit... or does it go out rapidly.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,886
Likes: 180
From: Morgan Hill, CA
The main thing is the factory pilot bearing is a POS. If you were to replace that piece with a Kevlar bushing (like I and many, many others have) you will lengthen both the clutch and trans life. It's about a $30 part but you have to pull the trans and xfer case to do it. BTW- you can pull both with a pair of floor jacks if you're careful and strong enough and have a friend to help. KWIKORDEAD had his OverDrive fail on his 6 Speed due to a failure of the factory pilot bearing. Others have had springs pop out of the disc. Some failures are slowly induced and noticeable, some are fast and mean.
I replaced my clutch at about 100,000 or so due to another problem, fuel leaked down the back of the block and washed everything too clean and the bearings started squeeling.
I put in a LUK unit which works very well to this day, over 100,000 miles, some of which were somewhat abusive to the clutch... Just ask the sheriff's deputy that was sitting at the light next to me... Anyway it and the Con "O" setup are both good units that replace the flywheel as well.
Other things to replace or keep on hand are a pre-bled master/slave setup ($140 at the dealer) for the clutch and a replacement fork and plastic pivot fulcrum.
Good luck in Baja. Have a drink at the Bar Miramar for me.
I replaced my clutch at about 100,000 or so due to another problem, fuel leaked down the back of the block and washed everything too clean and the bearings started squeeling.
I put in a LUK unit which works very well to this day, over 100,000 miles, some of which were somewhat abusive to the clutch... Just ask the sheriff's deputy that was sitting at the light next to me... Anyway it and the Con "O" setup are both good units that replace the flywheel as well.
Other things to replace or keep on hand are a pre-bled master/slave setup ($140 at the dealer) for the clutch and a replacement fork and plastic pivot fulcrum.
Good luck in Baja. Have a drink at the Bar Miramar for me.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 7
From: NH
Many things can cause premature clutch failure as FAT mentioned. They can also last many years trouble free. ( my 94 bronco's lasted 175k and is 30k on the rebuild and im far from a granny driver)
If your clutch has been trouble free to this point do a full inspection of the system or if you don't feel comfortable have a competant mechanic do it.
If all looks well and you haven't noticed any clutch chatter/shudder/slippage and you generally haven't "beaten" the clutch over the years your clutch should be fine.
Of coarse there is never any guarantee that you won't have a problem you could replace it and have a problem. If it's working fine without any noticableon't problems leave it alone. "Don't fix it if it isn't broken"
If your clutch has been trouble free to this point do a full inspection of the system or if you don't feel comfortable have a competant mechanic do it.
If all looks well and you haven't noticed any clutch chatter/shudder/slippage and you generally haven't "beaten" the clutch over the years your clutch should be fine.
Of coarse there is never any guarantee that you won't have a problem you could replace it and have a problem. If it's working fine without any noticableon't problems leave it alone. "Don't fix it if it isn't broken"
