HELP - New clutch at 27k - Questions!

[tosugrad]

Hello All,

My good friend lives in Cincinnati and is on his second NSX. This is a 1995. He has 27,000 miles, is the original owner, never any track time, and drives the car realtively easy. He has had trouble getting it into gear lately and the dealer ( Columbia Acura ) said he needs a new clutch. They want $2200 to $2400 with parts and labor.

The reason they give for such low mileage is that the car is stored in a car port and not run in the winter. The dealer states that rust builds up and wears the clutch internals much faster.

My questions are as follows:

1) Does the '95 have the dual plate? Should he upgrade to the dual plate?

2) Has anyone had good or bad luck with this dealership (Columbia)? Can you recommend the best dealership in the area?

3) Is there anything else worth replacing at the same time?

4) Does this "rust" scenario sound plausible?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[Larry Bastanza]

1) Does the '95 have the dual plate? Should he upgrade to the dual plate?

Yes it does. (NOTE on parts pricing: OEM from NSXCA Discount dealers = $1100 + shipping tops, w/both bearings included, also many aftermarket versions available like ACT, Centerforce)

2) Has anyone had good or bad luck with this dealership (Columbia)? Can you recommend the best dealership in the area?

Don't know. I am from NY, I am sure you will get a response from someone who knows them in your area.

3) Is there anything else worth replacing at the same time?

1995, probably not, just make sure it is done completely, as in throw-out bearing and pilot bearing also replaced.

4) Does this "rust" scenario sound plausible?

The clutch disks are splined and if there were to get "frozen" to the mainshaft it is possible(plausible).

However you need to be sure that the hydraulics are working properly also. Have they checked the slave and master cylinder for leakage? Is the fluid level proper?? Has it been bled to make sure no air is in the clutch line??

If they have looked at everything and all that is working then a clutch is probably needed.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[nsxtasy]

1) Does the '95 have the dual plate?

Yes.

Should he upgrade to the dual plate?

It's not an upgrade. I would replace it with another stock (dual plate) clutch unless he thinks he would prefer an aftermarket clutch (which tends to be grabbier but less street-friendly).

2) Has anyone had good or bad luck with this dealership (Columbia)? Can you recommend the best dealership in the area?

A friend of mine in Cincinnati has strongly recommended Superior Acura, in Fairfield. Scott is their experienced NSX tech, and frequently does clutch replacements, installation of aftermarket mods, etc, and is also a hardcore weekend racer.

3) Is there anything else worth replacing at the same time?

No.

4) Does this "rust" scenario sound plausible?

No! However, it's possible that the clutch really does need replacing after 27K miles, depending on how it's been treated. Clutch life varies, with some needing replacement this soon, and others lasting two to three times longer. And the price they are asking is not way out of line. However, if it were my car, I would try Superior Acura for a second opinion at a minimum, and possibly for the entire clutch replacement.

EDIT: Changed reply to question 3. (Thanks, Larry!)