How does one tell how much life is left in their clutch?

[BMWJEEP]

I have a 91 318is. How can one tell how much life is left in their clutch?

Is it an easy DIY replacement?

[AndrewBird]

Well, the only way to tell with it in the car is when it starts to slip, you know you need a new one. With it out of the car, you can look at how much friction material there is left. Personally though, if you have it out, even if it looks good, replace it as you don't want to have to pull the tranny later.

As far as doing it, it's not too bad. The bolts at the bell housing can be a bitch, but once you get those out, it's cake. I once did it with Jordan and James at 11:00 at night. We finished at about 5:00 AM. :)

[NC325iC]

sounds like a fun night...

[dude8383]

I have a 91 318is. How can one tell how much life is left in their clutch?

Is it an easy DIY replacement?

take off in first and when you reach about 5-10mph put it in fifth. if it stalls, your clutch is on its way out...if it holds idle then its still good.

[02stu]

take off in first and when you reach about 5-10mph put it in fifth. if it stalls, your clutch is on its way out...if it holds idle then its still good.

This makes no since to me, if anything I would think it would be reverse.

[matt]

This makes no since to me, if anything I would think it would be reverse.

True.

[turbo_negro69]

This makes no since to me, if anything I would think it would be reverse.

+1

[Jean]

Try and start in higher gear and see if the engine speed goes up and your car doesn't bog down...mine is toast and slips in ANY gear if I go WOT...

[dude8383]

This makes no since to me, if anything I would think it would be reverse.

well this is to see if the clutch is being to slip...the early stages.

[NC325iC]

i wouldnt try to put in in reverse even if you know your clutch is dead, that will still F up your tranny

[dude8383]

i wouldnt try to put in in reverse even if you know your clutch is dead, that will still F up your tranny

i think what they meant by trying the reverse of the method i mentioned.

meaning...doing in first.

[Van Westervelt]

I was under the impression that their "reverse" was referring to the end result after you put it in 5th. Good clutch kills it, if it stays running then its a bad clutch. Am I right? :)

[HST]

if you can redline 5th and only be going 30 MPH, it is bad, very very bad.

[Mastrcruse]

take off in first and when you reach about 5-10mph put it in fifth. if it stalls, your clutch is on its way out...if it holds idle then its still good.

Etas can't do this...they would stall if you had a brand new clutch and took it from 1st to 5th. haha

[Van Westervelt]

Etas can't do this...they would stall if you had a brand new clutch and took it from 1st to 5th. haha

Haha, very true, but he has a high revving m42 with a dual mass flywheel. Should be fine.