Replacing clutch: Who to use ?

[RockyTop]

I am due a new clutch soon (22,000 miles) and have the OEM clutch and pressure plate with an after-market flywheel. I have located a good mechanic that works on my daily ****** BMW 5-series and spend 90% of his day on Mercereds, BMWs and Volvos. He used to be a racer himself in South Africa and worked and was trained on Fords. Is replacing the clutch etc. a job that a dealer tech is best used for ? They are more expensive from an hourly rate standpoint.

Another question. My car still has an extended warranty, by installing the flywheel am I about to void the warranty on the other drivetrain components ?

 

[RED97GTS]

Your mechanic needs to know how to separate the "quick-Disconnect" hydraulic line from the transmission. The book says use "special tool". I bet an 18mm open end wrench with the face ground down to around 1/8inch would work. Anybody else make this tool??

 

[RockyTop]

Thanks all ! Jon, now you tell me - - I paid $85 more for the flywheel. Rats ! I should have known to call you first ! I'll post any problems/suggestions as they may arise.

 

[JonB]

There is no rocket science in clutch replacement. The D-C manual varies from Chilton........

D-C allows only 3.9 hrs to R+R clutch. [ Rare for dealer to uses the warranty rates.) Flywheel R+R ads .3 hrs.

Real-world is about 4.5 - 5 hrs. Id use a trusted local. make sure he safely racks the car !


Technically speaking, and placing hand-on-bible, that kind of mod could go both ways as far as warranty implications. If your dealer and zone manager is a PRI--- (Prince) you would have absolutely NO problems. If your deler or zone was a PRI-- then you could. But if a motor goes RR back to Arrow, the flywheel goes w/ motor. Swap it first.

I can cite actual anecdotal evidence if you call me, as to what ARrow has done in the past.

COMMERCIAL MESSSAGE: If you choose to add an AL Flywheel (great mod!) I hope you'll allow me to send you one at only $395 !