Fly wheel and Clutch replacement?

[alcatraz]

Hello! I have just been quoted £747 from 'Mr Clutch' to have my flywheel and clutch replaced. Car is a 2002 1.9TDI SPORT 130 ESTATE. Tow bar is fitted, which I might add, I have never used, but I guess it was used by the previous owner. Bought car with 105K now has 107k. Symptoms include, notchy gear change, vibration through gear knob and clutch pedal and lots of vibration noise in the lower gears. 'Mr Clutch' tell me the flywheel needs replacing. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Rustynuts]

Dual mass flywheel is becoming a common replacement. Ask "Mr Clutch" what brand of flywheel and clutch he's going to fit for you. Bet it's not going to be a Sachs unit. But that's what I'd be wanting.

[alcatraz]

Can't get hold of them to ask. They did give me a choice between an after market one at £225, or a VW one at £480..I chose the after market one with a 2 year guarantee. Regarding your comment about the flywheel becoming a common replacement, when 'Mr Clutch' called VW for a price, the VW chap mentioned that they had loads in stock, makes one wonder why!

[Rustynuts]

Sachs clutch and flywheel about £420. VW may use LUK stuff, not sure as they change manufacturers occasionally.

Regarding the 2 year warranty... I'm dubious. "Oh, the clutch is worn sir. It's normal wear and tear so not covered by warranty." [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

[Rustynuts]

Hang on! Total price £747. Clutch etc. at £225. Labour at £522. That sounds a bit steep.

[alcatraz]

£69 an hour, they reckon it's an 8 hour job.

[Rustynuts]

I'd check with a VW dealer and see how many hours they charge (not how much money, mind. Just how many hours). The job might only be 4 hours at VW but twice as much per hour. Sneaky buggers, garages. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img]

[alcatraz]

Thanks Rustynuts, might give them a call myself..although the flywheel will be twice as much. I am also going to get back to Mr Clutch and ask them why 8 hours?

[meriafel]

Once you have established the labour charge, is it worth getting a price for an aftermarket Sachs or LUK flywheel?
I understand LUK flywheels are half the price VW charge. (VW were charging £125 for the complete clutch assembly a couple of years ago for the 2002 Sport 130 TDI.)

[alcatraz]

Just called 2 others branches of Mr Clutch, both say their labour changes are £50 an hour, my local Branch quoted me £69! Both other branches stated it was a 5 hour job, NOT an 8 hour job. Still waiting on a call back from VW. Just so I know...do my symptoms like a flywheel/ clutch problem?