First major repair on the 3

[gtmazda3]

well, I have an 04 2.3L with 110k and after a flawless year of ownership I have my first repair. This weekend i noticed that my clutch was starting to slip, so first thing this morning i brought my 3 into my mechanic and had him take a look, after confirming what i thought I need to replace the clutch. So, now my question to anyone on the forums is since this is the first time I'm replacing a cluth on any of my cars, what else should i replace wheile he's in there. I'm buying the OE clutch assembly from Rick@garage16, because the stealership price was a joke, i was wondering if there would be anything else i need to replace besides the assembly and flywheel?

[dsichewski]

if the flywheel is comming off....rear crank seal maybe?

[Tsirpas]

lol Good thing, I paid 1300.00 for my new OEM clutch from the stealership (included install and everything) but still...

[Donutz]

Go stage 1. You should have your flywheel machined if you plan on using it again, or go for a lightweight fw. Think about upgrading to synthetic tranny fluid if you haven't already.

Also, clicky (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=33288).

[gtmazda3]

if the flywheel is comming off....rear crank seal maybe?

we didnt say the flywheel was coming off, rather recommended i change it now since he's replacing the clutch assembly. I already got the dealership quote around $580 plus tx for the assembly plus labour they said between 1100-1300 for everything. I was like thanks for your time. :loco

I'll tell my mech to take a look at the rear crank seal though, i've known him for years and have brought him gave of business so i know he wont try to bend me over. Thanks for the input

[Donutz]

Buy your parts from a sponsor and go to Street Performance for the install. For stage 1 you are looking at around $1000 / $1100 installed (give or take, depending on how much you pay for parts).

$1100 to $1300 is a lot no matter how you look at it. Is this quote for stock clutch / fw?

[gtmazda3]

Go stage 1. You should have your flywheel machined if you plan on using it again, or go for a lightweight fw. Think about upgrading to synthetic tranny fluid if you haven't already.

Also, clicky (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=33288).

I spoke to Rick@garage16 after this post and his supplier is out of oem clutch kits so im deffinately going with a stage 1, i've already called around for prices and its about the same as the stealership oem assembly.

I'm going to post a request on that link right now for a stage 1 kit. great timing for a "Biggest Sale Ever" lol :chuckle

[gtmazda3]

Buy your parts from a sponsor and go to Street Performance for the install. For stage 1 you are looking at around $1000 / $1100 installed (give or take, depending on how much you pay for parts).

$1100 to $1300 is a lot no matter how you look at it. Is this quote for stock clutch / fw?

yea it is for the stock replacement. How do dealerships get away with charging these prices...

[Donutz]

I was quoted $687 USD for exedy stage 1 clutch and lightweight fw shipped to my door from THmotorsports back in March. I think the prices are a bit better if you can get in on that sale above.

[gtmazda3]

Thanks, I'll have to call them tomorrow to get a quote. Looks like my first repair is also gonna be my first mod. :chuckle

[bhrm]

yea it is for the stock replacement. How do dealerships get away with charging these prices...

Running a business is not a crime.

Other parts resellers may have pricing models based on volume. Their suppliers give them low prices if they can meet numbers of sales.

Dealerships sell based on maintaining a profitable margin. Running a dealership isn't cheap.

Smaller parts places have way lower overhead, less staff, and smaller.

[pinoy_eh]

From my previous ownership of standard transmission cars, when replacing a clutch, I purchase the following parts;

1. Clutch Disc
2. Clutch Pressure Plate
3. Clutch Release Bearing
4. Flywheel (if so required)

This is also a right timing to have a new rear oil seal for the crankshaft, depends on the type of engine, but this is optional or if the mechanic noticed a small oil leak on that area.

[dsichewski]

we didnt say the flywheel was coming off, rather recommended i change it now since he's replacing the clutch assembly. I already got the dealership quote around $580 plus tx for the assembly plus labour they said between 1100-1300 for everything. I was like thanks for your time. :loco

I'll tell my mech to take a look at the rear crank seal though, i've known him for years and have brought him gave of business so i know he wont try to bend me over. Thanks for the input

I just meant if you are going to take the flywheel off at all for this repair then would be a good time to do the rear crank seal...Good luck in getting your new clutch :)

[whiteomega]

Running a business is not a crime.

Other parts resellers may have pricing models based on volume. Their suppliers give them low prices if they can meet numbers of sales.

Dealerships sell based on maintaining a profitable margin. Running a dealership isn't cheap.

Smaller parts places have way lower overhead, less staff, and smaller.

+1
don't forget too that there are often health and safety rules that can get in the way; sometimes requiring more than one person to do the work, which basically means you're paying double the labour rate.

if you have a trusted mechanic (which you do), and your car is out of warranty (which from the mileage and age seems to be, unless there's an extended warranty on it), you're better off not going to the dealership.

that said, i agree with everyone here: go with a stage 1 if you can; at stock power levels the clutch should last a fair bit longer than the oem unit. a lightened flywheel can improve engine response and help (a little) with fuel economy too, but will a few hundred to the cost.