Clutch Warning Signs

[Wausau 911]

New to my '04 911 coupe w/55k miles on it, and although the car seems trouble free, just wondering what the signs are of clutch wear. The car appears to be well taken care of, no oil leaks, noises, ect. Only dealer service issue was an ignition switch replaced. Any way for a DIY'er to know how much life is left?

Comments are appreciated. Thx

[fpb111]

As the clutch wears you lose some mechanical advantage and it gets firmer, harder to push down. Not to be confused with "someone took the helper spring out and now I look like a Harley Stroker owner" one leg bigger than the other.

See this thread on Rennlist for info on the helper spring

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/996-forum/343297-improved-clutch-action-dramatically.html

Edited March 30, 2013 by fpb111

[Hilux2400]

The first noticeable sign of a clutch slipping is in high gear under heavy load on an incline when you need max power. The revs will increase but they won't be matched by the road speed. When this happens just ease off and build up speed gradually and try and use lower gears to get you home. Also to extend clutch wear don't slip the clutch when waiting at halts on an incline, don't start in a high gear and try and match engine speed to road speed when changing down. In other words don't drop the clutch in a low gear and expect the engine to take the load to slow the car down. The last is a killer as the engine is required to speed up immediately and often at a rate that exceeds its ability to speed up under normal fuel delivery.

H