[TheFadingTheory]

Hello all,

Is the clutch install something that most shops can do, or because the car is a Smart is there some specialty thing going on when installing a new clutch that makes it more difficult than normal cars?

I'm trying to see if I buy the clutch anyone can install it, because Mercedes wants $900 for labor on the install and I don't feel it is worth that much.

Also, are the "clutch kits" I see available everywhere ok, when a clutch is needed, or when I'm told I need a new clutch a clutch kit is not good enough?

I'm not a mechanic, so clarification helps.

 

[Rustedwrench]

Hello all,

Is the clutch install something that most shops can do, or because the car is a Smart is there some specialty thing going on when installing a new clutch that makes it more difficult than normal cars?

I'm trying to see if I buy the clutch anyone can install it, because Mercedes wants $900 for labor on the install and I don't feel it is worth that much.

Also, are the "clutch kits" I see available everywhere ok, when a clutch is needed, or when I'm told I need a new clutch a clutch kit is not good enough?

I'm not a mechanic, so clarification helps.

There is nothing strange about replacement of a clutch in a smart. It is no different than any vehicle with a transverse mounted engine. The only non-typical thing is if the clutch actuator mounting position is changed and the shop does not have a scan tool that can perform the relearn. Any shop you let work on your smart should have the proper scan tooling in any case.

And this is an inquiry and should not be in the technical sticky forum, in my opinion. Not that I will lose any sleep over it.


ZZZZzzzzz.

 

[TheFadingTheory]

I'll check with some shops to see if they have the scan tool.

Sometimes when posting via a cell phone it's hard to see small details. I thought I selected the technical section, not a sticky section.

There is nothing strange about replacement of a clutch in a smart. It is no different than any vehicle with a transverse mounted engine. The only non-typical thing is if the clutch actuator mounting position is changed and the shop does not have a scan tool that can perform the relearn. Any shop you let work on your smart should have the proper scan tooling in any case.

And this is an inquiry and should not be in the technical sticky forum, in my opinion. Not that I will lose any sleep over it.


ZZZZzzzzz.

 

[jimvw57]

Post is in the correct section it is not in the technical sticky forum.

 

[jwight]

It was moved.....

 

[TheFadingTheory]

Can anyone answer the clutch vs clutch kit question I asked?

 

[jsenka]

The clutch kit typically includes all of the components that are usually changed when the clutch needs to be replaced, i.e. clutch disk, pressure plate, throwout bearing and maybe a couple more pieces depending on the car, or kit purchased. The clutch disk is often priced alone (cheaper), but is seldom changed without the other parts. The kit just combines all of the parts and usually is priced better than the sum of all the individual parts. Hope this helps.

 

[TheFadingTheory]

Thank you, it gives me more info then I had.

"If" I am understanding you correctly, the clutch kit can't be installed without other parts, depending on the kit, so it's not much advantage over having a replacement clutch installed?

Or, besides a few missing pieces, it IS better to have a clutch kit installed when a new clutch is needed, because it is cheaper and is what people use to fix clutch problems, without replacing the actual clutch?

Basically I'm trying to decide if I can just have a clutch kit installed to fix my clutch issues, rather than going by what Mercedes says and replacing my actual clutch. (Taking entire thing out and putting an entirely new one in)

Thanks.

The clutch kit typically includes all of the components that are usually changed when the clutch needs to be replaced, i.e. clutch disk, pressure plate, throwout bearing and maybe a couple more pieces depending on the car, or kit purchased. The clutch disk is often priced alone (cheaper), but is seldom changed without the other parts. The kit just combines all of the parts and usually is priced better than the sum of all the individual parts. Hope this helps.

 

[mildensmart]

For most cars, the "clutch" is actually a system comprising of the clutch plate, the pressure plate, throw out bearing, etc. The usual clutch kit includes the major parts just mentioned. No matter what you will be "Taking entire thing out and putting an entirely new one in". The issue is if you just replace the clutch plate the other components are worn. If doing one, replace them all. Hopefully the flywheel will not need to be resurfaced.

 

[jsenka]

To clarify, the clutch plate is a flat disc with a friction material (sort of like the material on a brake pad or drum) on both faces. That friction material is what wears off over time.
The pressure plate is a device that holds the clutch plate via spring pressure against the engine flywheel. The throwout bearing moves back and forth on the transmission input shaft via the clutch actuator to engage or disengage the clutch by releasing/applying spring force to the clutch disk, via the pressure plate
To replace the clutch plate, all of the pieces have to be disassembled and re-assembled. That's a big job, so most people change the whole assembly because the old pressure plate and throwout bearing likely won't outlast the new clutch plate.
I hope I'm not making this more difficult!

 

[TheFadingTheory]

Nope, exactly what kinda info I wanted to come from this thread. Mercedes quoted me $1,800 for a new clutch. $900 parts+$900 labor. I was just trying to make sure I do not miss an opportunity with a way around that, because I know Mercedes doesn't believe in anything but pulling and replacing.

To clarify, the clutch plate is a flat disc with a friction material (sort of like the material on a brake pad or drum) on both faces. That friction material is what wears off over time.
The pressure plate is a device that holds the clutch plate via spring pressure against the engine flywheel. The throwout bearing moves back and forth on the transmission input shaft via the clutch actuator to engage or disengage the clutch by releasing/applying spring force to the clutch disk, via the pressure plate
To replace the clutch plate, all of the pieces have to be disassembled and re-assembled. That's a big job, so most people change the whole assembly because the old pressure plate and throwout bearing likely won't outlast the new clutch plate.
I hope I'm not making this more difficult!

The clutch kit typically includes all of the components that are usually changed when the clutch needs to be replaced, i.e. clutch disk, pressure plate, throwout bearing and maybe a couple more pieces depending on the car, or kit purchased. The clutch disk is often priced alone (cheaper), but is seldom changed without the other parts. The kit just combines all of the parts and usually is priced better than the sum of all the individual parts. Hope this helps.

For most cars, the "clutch" is actually a system comprising of the clutch plate, the pressure plate, tahrow out bearing, etc. The usual clutch kit includes the major parts just mentioned. No matter what you will be "Taking entire thing out and putting an entirely new one in". The issue is if you just replace the clutch plate the other components are worn. If doing one, replace them all. Hopefully the flywheel will not need to be resurfaced.