problem with clutch on a 99' Carrera 4

[TAILWAG]

I have owned my 99' c4 for 2 1/2 years now, and short of oil changes and general mantainence, it has been EXTREMELY reliable...for the 8,000 miles or so that I have put on her.

That all changed last night. We had 60 degree weather here for a change, so I decided to take her out for a spin. I drove to work and for some reason, the clutch engagement seemed a little higher than normal, and I thought I sensed a slight vibration from the clutch pedal. I thought nothing of it as I haven't driven her in about a month.

I went out for lunch...and the vibration seemed worse...so I knew something was not right. When I left work in the evening and headed to the gym, I noticed the vibration had intensified...and the clutch engagement was extremely high...

Just for giggles, I stepped on it and sure enough, the rpm's climbed really high and really quick...so my clutch has started to slip. I made it to the gym and the vibration on the pedal is really bad now...and if I hold it slightly I can hear some sort of chatter.

Also...at cruising speed the car hesitated and then all lights on the dash came on and while the car was still running, the gas pedal felt dead...it would not do anything...I put it in neutral and then coasted and started the car again in the process and everything back to normal...(did I just kill the car when the clutch did not engage properly??).

On the way home I drove her nice and easy...but the clutch engagement is really high now and if I step on it on 1st, 2nd or 3rd...the clutch will slip...

What are we looking at? What would cause the clutch to simply go out like that without any warning? Was she holding on by a thread and finally gave out? I am thinking this won't be cheap...but how much would I be spending? I probably should have the RMS replaced at the same time since it has shown moisture for the past few months (no drip, just slight moist).

[TAILWAG]

I have owned my 99' c4 for 2 1/2 years now, and short of oil changes and general mantainence, it has been EXTREMELY reliable...for the 8,000 miles or so that I have put on her.

That all changed last night. We had 60 degree weather here for a change, so I decided to take her out for a spin. I drove to work and for some reason, the clutch engagement seemed a little higher than normal, and I thought I sensed a slight vibration from the clutch pedal. I thought nothing of it as I haven't driven her in about a month.

I went out for lunch...and the vibration seemed worse...so I knew something was not right. When I left work in the evening and headed to the gym, I noticed the vibration had intensified...and the clutch engagement was extremely high...

Just for giggles, I stepped on it and sure enough, the rpm's climbed really high and really quick...so my clutch has started to slip. I made it to the gym and the vibration on the pedal is really bad now...and if I hold it slightly I can hear some sort of chatter.

Also...at cruising speed the car hesitated and then all lights on the dash came on and while the car was still running, the gas pedal felt dead...it would not do anything...I put it in neutral and then coasted and started the car again in the process and everything back to normal...(did I just kill the car when the clutch did not engage properly??).

On the way home I drove her nice and easy...but the clutch engagement is really high now and if I step on it on 1st, 2nd or 3rd...the clutch will slip...

What are we looking at? What would cause the clutch to simply go out like that without any warning? Was she holding on by a thread and finally gave out? I am thinking this won't be cheap...but how much would I be spending? I probably should have the RMS replaced at the same time since it has shown moisture for the past few months (no drip, just slight moist).

Anyone? I got the quote of $ 2,000 to get her fixed...does that seem reasonable? Includes all parts, labor and tax. This would replace the clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, fork release arm and resurface the flywheel. Also main seal, spark plugs and other smaller things in the process. 12 hours for all the above...thanks.

[Dharn55]

Seems pretty high for a clutch job. more than some dealers I have seen. Is this a dealer or a indy? You list some other work that might add up, but an experienced mechanic should be able to do a clutch in 4-6 hrs. Resurfacing the flywheel might add to it. I know I have heard that you cna't resurface the stock dual-mass flywheel, and a new one lists for $900+ I think. I was lucky when I had my clutch replaced. I had found a brand new dual-mass flywheel on Ebay one day and bought it for $150, then it sat in my garage for 2 years. when my clutch went I need a flywheel and low and behold I had one. Just luck I guess.

[viper501]

I think that is kinda high but for the other items that you may have done while in there. Parts for the clutch / pp / update for fork release should be about 500, iirc. I probably would leave the RMS alone if it isn't leaking but would update the case bolts and the IMS bolts while in there. The flywheel can't be resurfaced as mentioned, at least that I have ever heard, but it may not need replacement. While you're in there, I'd replace the clutch slave cylinder as a P.M. issue. I think the labor charges are probably a little high for a shop that knows what they're doing/done it before.

[ivass]

I would do all RMS and IMS work and would replace the fly wheel with new. I would rather not resurface it because very few shops can center the part exactly and cut it right. You might get some vibrations while engaging.

[TAILWAG]

I would do all RMS and IMS work and would replace the fly wheel with new. I would rather not resurface it because very few shops can center the part exactly and cut it right. You might get some vibrations while engaging.

This is through Imagine Auto, an individual performance shop. They are supposed to be one of the top shops in the US...but I was also wondering about the pricing. The price includs $ 120 which is what they charge to resurface the flywheel and they claim that is the way to go. They also claim they are giving me a heck of a discount on parts...

I wish there were some other alternative around here in Kansas... <_<