JK rep[airs with 4x4 Solutions Bundoora

[humdingerslammer]

Well, the JK needed a new clutch so I had 4x4 Solutions Bundoora Melb do the work. I supplied the centerforce dual friction clutch, fly wheel and throwout bearing. They also replaced the leaking sump gasket and fitted new spark plugs (supplied by me). In the process I did not include oil and an oil filter so got stung a bit there. Also, needed new spark plug leads, so got stung there, too. I Have a supply of these in the garage; my fault should have thought ahead a bit better.

Anyway, very impressed with their approach and the work ethic and the quality of their work. I think mine was the first JK clutch they had replaced. This is the third for the vehicle: OE did 80000km, the next one (Centerforce )136000k and I have no idea how long this one will last. I do tow quite a lot.Neither clutch gave any warning of failing so I am happy that it did not happen along the Anne Beadell Track or some other desert place.

All up they charged me 9.5 hrs labour which I thought was reasonable. Plus the prices for the parts; already inflated by the stealership.

Just a recommendation from me, that's all!!


Cheers

[MightyMouse]

That's reasonable.... a clutch is about a six hours job if everything goes according to plan ( and all it takes is a rusted bolt etc to throw that out the window... ).

The few extra jobs easily round it out to what they charged.

I'm just about to replace mine again...... the OE one failed early on, the heavy duty one has been much more reliable BUT has a shudder when hot that's really annoying so time to get rid of it and step back to a bit softer material.

[humdingerslammer]

Yep, I know... not complaining about the cost, for sure. The stealer ship (last time) wanted $1550 for the clutch alone and said they needed 2 days. Found a mechanic elsewhere who worked for Jeep dealer for 7 years... reckoned they could drop and change a clutch in 4 hours. They used to do so many of them for various reasons.

I noticed that the stealer ship now quotes $160/hr labour, down from $280, but seems they are now doubling the quoted times for work, to make the same money. I don't go to them...

[Banshee]

Can I ask how much the clutch was and where you got it?

Just this morning mine started screaming whenever I press the clutch pedal. I think there might have been a few rattles the first time as well... methinks the TOB has finally lunched itself.

Well, the JK does have 150,000km on it now. But this hapening just a month after the injector failed!? Really?

[humdingerslammer]

Yes, more than likely the TOB.

Centerforce dual friction clutch available via Quadratec or Morris 4x4 for about $400 US. They also supply throwout bearing which you should also replace. Also the flywheel can be machined but you can get these from Morris 4x4 about $300. All up with conversion and freight this should cost u about $1200Aus. The dealers will charge more than double this. You will probably have to wait about 3 weeks to get the parts from US as the suppliers will probably have to ship stock in.

The centerforce dual friction clutch is stronger/more hardy than the OE which I would not use as a replacement. There might be other alternatives available from Aust non Jeep suppliers but expect to pay an arm and a leg.

I also suggest that you replace the clutch slave cylinder as this will probably also go soon after u have fitted a new clutch.

If you have oil leaks I suggest u fix these at the time as some of the bolts require at least partial dismantling of the gear boxx housing.

Mine is a manual 3.8L petrol BTW but the US people will have one for a diesel I am sure, if that is what u need.

Spec clutches are also available. Slightly more expensive. Search google for the address. These r slightly more expensive and get good reviews in JKforums etc.

[Banshee]

Thanks for that, humdingerslammer. Yeah, I have the 3.8 manual as well. Checked last night & I'm actually on 155k. I figure if the TOB has gone out I might as well do the rest at the same time since it will be open anyway.

Now I just have to find the money to do it...

Aaand I got a MIL yesterday for bank one cat. *sigh* Reset & see if it comes back. It couldn't wait 5 months until I'll actually have some cash to spend on any of it, could it!?