Clutch Replacement

[DDozier]

Well I know my clutch is getting weak and it will need to be replaced soon and I want to be sure it is done and well broke in before November. So I start to look at my choices, and request help from other owners who have been through the process (thanks for all your help). I make up my mind for the Centerforce setup. So I call the local Dealers for quotes on labor and just for grins I have them price out the OEM clutch as well. I have talked to two dealers in my area (to be named later) and got some wild numbers.

The first dealer:
Parts - clutch assembly - $1359.12
Parts - Through out bearing - $152.98
Parts and Labor total - $2300.00
Labor only (incase I bring them a clutch) - $600.00
Same day turn around

The second dealer:
Parts - said I need to talk to parts counter did not have time to hold
Parts and Labor total - $1600.00
Labor only (incase I bring them a clutch) - $800.00
Two day turn around

Now I know the limitations of the OEM clutch and the Centerforce clutch so please don’t confuse me by debating the two, but why are the two dealers so far off form each other when they both use the same books. ( I priced these same dealers this spring for the timing belt/water pump and they were within a buck or two)

1. Should I just record the conversation and take the $1600.00 quote and live with the OEM clutch?

2. How long does the clutch assembly replacement take 1 day or 2 days?

3. Is the Centerforce worth the extra dollars? (aprox. $400.00 using the lowest labor rate and the lowest complete OEM price)

4. Is there a chance that after dealer two starts they will say I’m sorry but we can not complete this work for this price?

5. Does anyone know of another labor solution in St. Louis or Chicago?

Sorry for the long post.

Thanks

Dave

 

[robr]

dont really have an answer to your question but $600 for labor from a dealership seems VERY reasonable. i think you will find the place that quoted you $800 for parts will change their story if you actually try to take them up on it. the OEM clutch with both bearings at dali's price is $1125. i really doubt the dealership is going to discount the parts even close to that much. im not sure where you are located but perhaps there is an acura/honda specialist nearby that will do the install even cheaper than $600. i found a local acura specialist here in MA that did mine for $400. whatever you end up doing, good luck.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by DDozier:
I have talked to two dealers in my area (to be named later)

Well, there are only two dealers in your area, so we can all guess which two you're talking about.

Originally posted by DDozier:
The first dealer:
Parts - clutch assembly - $1359.12
Parts - Through out bearing - $152.98
Parts and Labor total - $2300.00
Labor only (incase I bring them a clutch) - $600.00

Is there another $200 in parts involved? Just wondering why you've got $1500 in parts listed, $2300 for P&L total, and $600 for labor.

Originally posted by DDozier:
5. Does anyone know of another labor solution in St. Louis or Chicago?

Sure. There are two dealers in the Chicago area that do a huge NSX service business. Muller's Woodfield Acura in Hoffman Estates (847-519-9550) does the most and is highly recommended. Pauly Acura in Highland Park (847-433-8200) does a lot too but may be slightly more expensive. Either one would be fine for installing an OEM clutch and ought to be able to give you prices over the phone. If you use Woodfield, tell the service department I told you they'd treat you right.

If you want to go the aftermarket route, I suggest you discuss it with John Vasos, service manager at Acura of Brookfield, just west of Milwaukee (800-383-3936). They are the Midwest's leading experts in aftermarket and competition installations for the NSX, and if you're going that route, it's worth the trip up there.