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Messages Page 562 of 566

#5610 of 5658 Re: Bad Clutch Throwout Bearing [hpmctorque] by maxeybilly

Dec 17, 2012 (4:06 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Dec 16, 2012 10:26 pm)
I'm sure you have your reasons, but imho a bad throwout bearing is NO reason to scrap any car that runs well and burns almost no oil at 198k! I'd say you have a jewel that simply needs some TLC. I have had cars that burn considerable oil at far less mileage. and I think a quart of oil now and then is acceptable. I've also had to replace throwout bearings and did it myself(with help), but it was the ticket to getting the car on the road again and smoother shifting.
BTW, for clarification, a bad throwout bearing has NOTHING to do with the condition of the transmission!!! A failed clutch throwout bearing is an entirely separate part than the transmission, so don't make the mistake thinking your tranny is bad just because the bearing that allows you to engage/disengage the clutch is bad. Even if you're not mechanically inclined, think about getting a Z repair manual, tearing into it and see how far you can get before you have to call for help or sell it as scrap. You will need to remove the transmission to remove the throwout, but with patience, caution, following th manual, and a little help from your friends, its doable. Don't scrap that Z- fix it!

#5611 of 5658 Re: Bad Clutch Throwout Bearing [hpmctorque] by qbrozen

Dec 17, 2012 (7:23 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Dec 16, 2012 10:26 pm)
Whoever decided to replace the original clutch at 160k and not replace the throwout bearing made a big mistake. It is a part that wears out. The rear main seal should have been done at that time, too. If it wasn't, I advise doing that along with the throwout bearing this time around.

#5612 of 5658 Re: Bad Clutch Throwout Bearing [hpmctorque] by burdawg

Dec 17, 2012 (8:21 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Dec 16, 2012 10:26 pm)
From your description it sounds like the front bearing on the transmission input shaft to me, not the throwout bearing.

#5613 of 5658 Re: Bad Clutch Throwout Bearing [burdawg] by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Dec 17, 2012 (9:28 am)

Replying to: burdawg (Dec 17, 2012 8:21 am)
I'd agree with burdawg on this one---based on your description, you have a bad front bearing in the transmission. You might be able to verify this by draining the transmission oil into a cone filter and spotting metallic debris.
 
With the clutch pedal released, the throw out bearing isn't even moving.
 
198K is very respectable mileage for a manual transmission, and I'm sure many failures occur even before that mileage. The transmission owes you nothing.
 
You may only need a "small parts rebuild" in the transmission, not a total one.

#5614 of 5658 Re: Bad Clutch Throwout Bearing [hpmctorque] by hpmctorque

Dec 17, 2012 (7:11 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Dec 16, 2012 10:26 pm)
Thanks maxebilly, gbrozen, burdawg and shifty. I value your comments and suggestions.
 
Among the reasons I'm most likely going to dispose of this car is that, in addition to the transmission related problem, the steering rack leaks (its the original), the windshield has a crack, and it needs a complete brake job. I'd prefer to sell it as a project car, since the engine is sound, the body is straight and has no visible rust, the leather interior is basically good and clean (though, naturally, somewhat worn), the A/C blows cold, and it has new tires. However, if no one expresses interest for a modest price I'll donate it a take a tax deduction.

#5615 of 5658 Re: Bad Clutch Throwout Bearing [Mr_Shiftright] by hpmctorque

Dec 17, 2012 (7:26 pm)

Replying to: MrShift@Edmunds (Dec 17, 2012 9:28 am)
Suppose it were a bad front bearing in the transmission. What would be involved to repair it, and roughly (ball park) how much would it cost for parts and labor time?

#5616 of 5658 Re: Bad Clutch Throwout Bearing [hpmctorque] by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Dec 18, 2012 (9:43 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Dec 17, 2012 7:26 pm)
I'd figure 10 hours labor plus a small parts kit (bearings, synchros, seals, gaskets, oil, etc). So, depending on where you live...what?....maybe $1500 ballpark on the outside, $1000 on the inside?
 
OF COURSE... ...there's the "while we're in there" factor, meaning clutch and pressure plate, blah blah.
 
Given his description, and the value of the car, the decision to repair or sell is...marginal....
 
If you repaired the trans, put in a clutch, fixed the windshield, you'd be into it well over $2000, closer to $2500, and you can buy these babies clean and running for not a whole lot more than that.
 
on the other hand (hence the marginality) the car you have is a known entity, whilst the used one you buy is not.
 
Were it a turbo car, the decision might be easier.
 
As a project car, you'd be lucky to get $1250.

#5617 of 5658 Re: Bad Clutch Throwout Bearing [Mr_Shiftright] by qbrozen

Dec 18, 2012 (11:19 am)

Replying to: MrShift@Edmunds (Dec 18, 2012 9:43 am)
Don't forget the steering rack.
 
With all the problems, near 200k miles, and the least desirable model (2+2), I'd say more like a $500 parts car.

#5618 of 5658 Re: Bad Clutch Throwout Bearing [qbrozen] by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Dec 18, 2012 (1:36 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Dec 18, 2012 11:19 am)
Oh yeah, steering racks are PRICEY....I did forget that
 
Okay add $900 + another 3 hours labor.
 
Of course, he doesn't need to restore the car, just get it operating satisfactorily. He can add p/s fluid now and then.
 
Figure it this way--to find any kind of decent used car these days that doesn't need a boatload or work or doesn't have annoying deficiences that you have to live with, you need to spend at the very least $5K-$6K

#5619 of 5658 Re: Bad Clutch Throwout Bearing (gbrozen)[Mr_Shiftright] by hpmctorque

Dec 19, 2012 (12:23 pm)

Replying to: MrShift@Edmunds (Dec 18, 2012 1:36 pm)
Thanks again GB and Shifty. Given the expense of the repairs (I love cars, know a lot of trivia, as you may have observed, but I'm next to the worst mechanic on the planet) I was planning to ask $495.
 
The steering rack leak isn't too bad yet. I've been using Lucas PS fluid to reduce the frequency for adding fluid, but it's only a matter of time before it'll need a new rack.
 
I was hoping to nurse this puppy to 200,000, just because it's a nice round number, and because I've never gotten a car past 188,000. I've given up on that idea, though. And to think that, not too long ago, I thought this car was good for 300,000 miles. I think the engine could make it, but not the rest of the car.

Messages Page 562 of 566

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