New 996 owner needs input

[cosmican]

Hi all,

I just bought a 99 996 and have some questions about the clutch. This is my first 996, I had a 944 in the past. The clutch feels heavy and it seems to engage very high on the pedal travel. Is this normal? I went to a local independent dealer and he said it needs a clutch replacement. I also went to the local authorized dealer and they told me the same. Are they telling me this just so I have to buy a new clutch from them? Is there an adjustment to have the clutch engage closer to the beginning (near the floor)? or do I really need an new clutch? The clutch doesn't seem to be slipping, but then again, I'm not that familar with the car and the fact that I haven't driven a stick for almost 15years doesn't help. I have an appointment to have it replaced in a couple weeks, but if i don't need to, I'm gonna cancel it. If there's an adjustment or some thing else, it would help. Thanks.

[jmj996]

Hi all,

I just bought a 99 996 and have some questions about the clutch. This is my first 996, I had a 944 in the past. The clutch feels heavy and it seems to engage very high on the pedal travel. Is this normal? I went to a local independent dealer and he said it needs a clutch replacement. I also went to the local authorized dealer and they told me the same. Are they telling me this just so I have to buy a new clutch from them? Is there an adjustment to have the clutch engage closer to the beginning (near the floor)? or do I really need an new clutch? The clutch doesn't seem to be slipping, but then again, I'm not that familar with the car and the fact that I haven't driven a stick for almost 15years doesn't help. I have an appointment to have it replaced in a couple weeks, but if i don't need to, I'm gonna cancel it. If there's an adjustment or some thing else, it would help. Thanks.

I'm not aware of an adjustment, but I can tell you that if it feels heavy, it is likely well worn. A new/newer clutch is easier to operate than an older one because there is less spring travel due to more material present on the disc. When I had our Boxster clutch replaced it went from fairly difficult (although my 5'4" wife still had no big problem with it) to very easy. The only way to get a good idea of where you stand is to get inside a 986 or 996 that has a new/recent clutch and compare the feeling. If you can't trust the mechanics you see, their input is of no value anyway, but if you have one you can trust, they are the best source of input because they feel numerous clutches on a regular basis and have a pretty good feel for ones that don't have much left in them. If you really want to try to confirm this on your own, get to a local PCA event ASAP and see if you can try out some 986 and 996 clutches, and have some other owners try yours.

Additionally, you have the hydraulics between your pedal and the clutch, so there's always the possibility of something related to the hydraulics... but I know nothing about that system.

[fastboydave]

As the clutch is hydraulic, the way it is set up is similar to brakes, in that the cylinder takes up the free play and therefore is self adjusting (or so i'm led to believe). If you have a hydraulic problem (air etc) as i have had recently, then the 'bite' goes to the floor as you have fluid loss. It could very well be the clutch, but dont just accept that, it could be the clutch release baring (a very common fault, i have had two go, on a Boxster S and my current 996TT). This issue will make the clutch very difficult to press, but shouldnt affect the bite maybe?? Do you have an extended warrantee on it?? If you have a new clutch, i think the release baring is part of the parts they replace so you'll never know? Either way it is a fair amount of labour, the only question is whether its a saving of clutch parts?

How many miles you have on it??

[cosmican]

I have approx 98k on it. The previous owner supposedly changed the clutch 25k to 30k ago. The only docs i have are of the parts, but not the install. the porsche technician said that it should be at least 4 times easier to push the pedal as the pedal currently is quite heavy. The cost here is 2k for clutch and install and if need a flywheel, another 1k or so. If anyone from Vancouver knows of any other service centres here that they have had good experiece with, please let me know.

[fastboydave]

I have approx 98k on it. The previous owner supposedly changed the clutch 25k to 30k ago. The only docs i have are of the parts, but not the install. the porsche technician said that it should be at least 4 times easier to push the pedal as the pedal currently is quite heavy. The cost here is 2k for clutch and install and if need a flywheel, another 1k or so. If anyone from Vancouver knows of any other service centres here that they have had good experiece with, please let me know.

Only 25-30k ago hey? Thats a bit soon after? Mind, depends on driving style of previous owner. I had mine changed (on a 996TT) at 35k. Not because it had worn out, just because all the labour was absorbed with the replacement of the clutch release baring (under warrantee) so i thought what the hell! They said it looked half worn at 35k. You know it could just be the baring or even the slave cylinder....... At the end of the day, its a trust thing with the technicians and hopefully you'll get someone who can recommend somewhere nearby for you that doesnt B.S. Good luck with it my friend.