Clutches - Are they universal?

kravenmore · Post by **kravenmore** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:38 pm

I'm looking at replacing my clutch.
I've been quoted $311 from Repco for a replacement clutch kit (standard clutch). I did a little hunting on the internet and can get it for about $100 cheaper from the US (delivered even).
My question is, is a clutch purchased from the US the same as one purchased from NZ? ie. are clutches universal regardless of LH or RH drive?

poison · Post by **poison** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 1:45 pm

Are you comparing apples with apples... I would think $310 is on the high
side for a clutch plate unless it includes the pressure plate and bearings
to. But this would not be the case from the USA as the pressure plate is
heavy and alone would kill the postage.

Yes LH & RH drives have the same clutch.

You can also do a swap and get a reconditioned clutch plate from Auto clutch
Ltd in Auckland. They will give a club discount too if you ask. For this
they give you a reconditioned pressure plate and a relined clutch plate. And
then you have to take your old one's back when you have made the swap. You
can give them a ring. Ph 09-849-3737 www.autoclutch.co.nz

One thing!!! Make sure the new or recon'd clutch plate is organic. Some of
the performance one's (Kevlar etc) have been known to cause vibration or
clutch shudder.

kravenmore · Post by **kravenmore** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:21 pm

both kits were the full shebang

pressure plate, clutch disk, release bearing, pilot bearing and the alignment tool.

I was just worried that I was going to spend over $200 on the kit from the States only to find it would be no good for my RH drive.

I've just found a 25% off voucher for repco so it works out about $20 cheaper than the other one so I might as well buy local.

Has anyone else found a cheaper place to buy stock replacement clutch kits?
I'm in Wellington

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:23 pm

BNT are competitive with their Exedy clutch kits (where I got my HD kit) but the Repco voucher would swing it ...
Incidentally, my 3 current US price lists (2 using genuine Mazda kits and 1 being aftermarket) suggest that depending if you have a 1.6 or 1.8, prices range from US$170 to US$210 plus p&p.
A recent quote on a 5.5lb sway bar p&p was US$69, so I can't imagine what a clutch kit would cost.....P&P on my 9lb alloy flyweel from California to Arizona was US$25!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SLYDIT · Post by **SLYDIT** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 2:28 pm

i think that price reflects the fact that it comes with the alignment tool...you may get quoted cheaper prices but ib et they dont have the alignment tool with them.....

Have you tried Don at Autoway services a call for a price, Or Gerry at BNT Hamilton city

Growler · Post by **Growler** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 3:27 pm

SLYDIT wrote:i think that price reflects the fact that it comes with the alignment tool...you may get quoted cheaper prices but ib et they dont have the alignment tool with them.....

If you are close to a lathe or know someone with access to one you can machine one up in about 5 mins...and it will be more accurate that the cheap plastic ones. I have made two now but people borrow them and I never get them back!!

Growler.

Euen · Post by **Euen** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 1:20 pm

An even easier way, if you have any, is a piece of 15mm ID copper water pipe and then wind layers of a heavy duty cloth tape around it to pack it out to the inside diameter of the clutch plate spline. Its all I used and it worked fine. Will post a photo when I get home.

Euen · Post by **Euen** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 10:19 pm

Sorry, been a bit busy. Targa is approaching fast.

Pipe was actually 15mm outside diameter and the tape was packed out to a diameter of about 22mm. It needs to be a reasonably snug fit inside the spline of the clutch plate.

The end portion needs to be long enough to fit well inside the pilot bearing so that it does not move too much to ensure a good alignment.

Cheers
Euen