So somehow (with no real abuse) 3rd gear was sticking and at times I couldn't get it out at all for some time. Something needed to be done obviously, and good thing I had the extended warranty (best $800 I ever spent at time of purchase as beyond expensive transmission repairs i'd have to deal with now; I hear my knock sensor needs replacing as well now...) as I have 77000KMS (around 50000 miles) and my car is at the dealer right now getting some major transmission work done as the mechanic said it needs new bearings and my syncro is gone...

The service advisor called me and said before they put the tranny back together tomorrow, I should consider replacing the clutch as it is worn and I could save on 8 to 9 hours of labor. As mentioned before I only have 77000KMS and I dont think the clutch could be that worn out by now (beyond a few starts from 3rd lately i've had to do with the gear issue until I brought it in)...

I've had issues with serivce departments at dealerships in the past where they suggest something that is not needed to make some bucks as advisors get commissions and service is primarily where a dealership makes their money.

Question is...

Does this 8 to 9 hours sound right? Is it really worth investing a few hundred now on a clutch and avoiding parts and labor down the road? How do I know how badly worn a clutch is if the mechanic shows it to me? I do have the option of going and seeing it, but I wouldn't be able to tell how badly worn it is...anyone got new and old pics or suggestions on how I could tell whether it really needs to be replaced at this point?

Any help on this would be appreciated....

Thanks.

When I replaced my clutch, it took a little longer than that, because I did it myself at home without a lift. In order for me to access the clutch, I had to take off the drive shaft & lower the transmission. I don't have before and after pictures to show you.

Is this the first stick you have driven? Do you ride the clutch? Riding the clutch will definitely cause it to wear more quickly.

If you do, in fact, need a clutch, it is better to go ahead and do it now. I think my clutch kit was $240ish.

No...this is in fact the 4th or 5th 5-spd i've owned. This is why the question arose as with this little mileage, I shouldnt be replacing the clutch.

I called the dealer again and they told me that this might be a good idea to save me the 8-9 hours labor it could cost in the future.....just trying to figure out when in the future this might happen...they welcomed me to come see it, to check out the wear on it. Problem is I wouldnt know what I was looking at. Is there an easy way to tell how worn the plate is?

If the frictional material on the clutch plate is badly worn, then it is probably time for a new clutch. You should be able to tell by looking at it.

Other than not properly going into 3rd, are you having any other problems with your clutch? Any noises? Problems pressing the clutch pedal? Leakage?

nope...clutch never crossed my mind as I never had a problem with it...the truck still drives like new otherwise.

I guess i will go with my gut when I see it tomorrow...if i looks as if it might need replacing anytime in the next year...I should probably do it to save the $1000 or so it might cost down hte road...

Yeah, clutch repairs are EXPENSIVE!!! That is one reason I did it myself. It took a whole Saturday, and it was hot and sweaty in my garage, but I did it.

thanks for the input...!

I'm a girl...what do I know?

Wow, you're hot AND you replaced your own clutch?

Yeah, I do most of my own work on my Xterra.

The last clutch I changed, my 10 & 12 year old daughters helped me. 12 yr. old helped me stab the tranny and the 10yr. old pushed the clutch petal at the appropiate time (to free the plate for the lineup, grunt, stab move). Time before that my oldest daughter and her (female) friend helped, when they were 12 or 14. Anyway.......

mpuk: when you look at the plate just judge how glazed it is and how much material's left until you hit the rivits.
If you have them do a clutch, make sure they face the flywheel. 50K does seem early for a clutch. 150K or more would be more like it.

FYI: My '01 Fronty has 84K on it and the tob has been rattling for at least 20K, mostly in the winter. The pressure plate chatters a bit before the truck is warmed up. No slippage, just signs of a weak factory assy. IMHO

i would ask to see a new clucth plate compared to the old one.if the old one is much thinner look at buying a new one.