My dealer is telling me that I need to replace the throw-out bearing and pressure plate when replacing the clutch. Is this really true? It adds a lot to the cost. I can imagine the bearing, but why the pressure plate?

Thanks,
dt

 

Normal clutch replacement involves replacing these three pieces. Together, they are the clutch (pressure plate, disc, and throwout bearing). On our cars (and most other modern cars) the bearing is integrated into the pressure plate. The PP should be replaced because it: 1. can't be resurfaced and 2. is responsible for clamping force. The diaphram blades (springs) fatigue with use.

How many miles on your car? What's the financial damage?

 

I'm just having the clutch done because the engine is apart getting a new shortblock. I had the infamous #4 cylinder problem. The clutch hasn't worn out, but since most of the labor is done I thought I'd do it. But meanwhile, the parts are coming out to way more than I expected.

Thanks for your help.

dt

 

Always replace all parts of the clutch when doing clutch work. Or else all you will get is premature wear of the new parts.

 

Thanks Ouzo Lude. Two confirmations is great. I'll do all parts.

dt

 

Maybe you can have TSB 00-054 done to the car and get a new clutch for free.

 

spider,

I'm over warrantee, so they said no to that.

but thanks,
dt

 

With everything apart it is an excellent time to inspect the other active component that works with the clutch.. the flywheel. Some mechanics with tell you to always resurface it when installing a new friction disk.

 

ask again....nicely.. for TSB...HONDA specifys in TSB's that they can consider "courtesy" repair for out of warranty for individual cases. tell tham u had the symptom (quote it verbatim from TSB) since 15K miles but loved the car so much did not want to have the down time, but now that car is down for other reason would like it performed. have them inspect original friction disc and if not completely consumed they can't ding u for "normal" wear out.
otherwise sell your car and join a spec miata team!

 

Pretty much always a good idea to replace (or at least inspect) the clutch when the trannie's out. How many miles on your car. How did the clutch disc look. Mine looked pretty beat after only 30k miles.