Why do diesels ruin clutches quicker?

Glen B · 11th January 2024, 16:49

Just ordered new clutch and slave cylinder from DMGRS as slave cylinder died on my 2003 CDT with 234,000 miles. I rang DMGRS today for advice on which one of their options is best and they said on diesels the clutch won't last as long whichever one I buy.
Why is this? I don't drive it roughly.

The Rovering Member · 11th January 2024, 18:36

Possibly because diesels have much more low-down torque than petrol engines?

macafee2 · 11th January 2024, 19:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rovering Member

Possibly because diesels have much more low-down torque than petrol engines?

I do not understand, how does that damage the slave?
I cant recall seeing threads about the clutch plate wearing out through normal use.

macafee2

Matt_75 · 11th January 2024, 19:43

Perhaps the diesel has a stiffer springs in the pressure plate assembly, requiring more force to operate and therefore more wear on the slave cylinder?

Jeff Turbo · 11th January 2024, 20:07

Mine last ages, first zt cdti had 300'000 on it and changed the clutch once in my ownership, my existing has 230'000 on it and again only changed once so far in my ownership

zaph · 15th January 2024, 17:45

The only reason that would go quickly is low quality parts. I am very surprised that DMGRs told you this, as it means they aren't showing much faith in their parts.

The original factory slave on mine went at 120K miles and the replacement is still going strong 70K miles later. Though the part I fitted has now been discontinued because of the high number of failures. So I have got lucky.

However I am surprised that there isn't one decent slave cylinder available, as they also use them on Landrovers.

There is no reason this part should fail rapidly, unless it is poorly made.

zaph · 15th January 2024, 17:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by macafee2

I do not understand, how does that damage the slave?
I cant recall seeing threads about the clutch plate wearing out through normal use.

macafee2

Generally, in my experience, the case just disintegrates and the slave cylinder falls to bits. The strength of the clutch plates springs is irrelevant because a part for a diesel should be designed to take those kind of loads.

I am afraid the problem is low quality modern parts.

11th January 2024, 16:49	#1
Glen B Avid contributor Rover 75 Saloon Club, 2005 Rover 45, 2000 Rover 25, 1963 Rover 110 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Warsop Posts: 101 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Why do diesels ruin clutches quicker? Just ordered new clutch and slave cylinder from DMGRS as slave cylinder died on my 2003 CDT with 234,000 miles. I rang DMGRS today for advice on which one of their options is best and they said on diesels the clutch won't last as long whichever one I buy. Why is this? I don't drive it roughly.

11th January 2024, 18:36	#2
The Rovering Member I really should get out more....... Rover 75 saloon Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: London Posts: 2,960 Thanks: 263 Thanked 538 Times in 431 Posts	Possibly because diesels have much more low-down torque than petrol engines? __________________ Reducing the size of my Rover fleet by adding a 75 to it.

11th January 2024, 19:43	#4
Matt_75 Gets stuck in 75 Saloon Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: North Somerset Posts: 553 Thanks: 13 Thanked 20 Times in 8 Posts	Perhaps the diesel has a stiffer springs in the pressure plate assembly, requiring more force to operate and therefore more wear on the slave cylinder? __________________ Matt 2001 Rover 75 Connoisseur SE 2.5 (BRG) 1999 Rover 75 Club 2.5 (Dorchester Red) 1973 Triumph Dolomite (Honeysuckle)

11th January 2024, 20:07	#5
Jeff Turbo Loves to post MGZT cdti Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Lincoln Posts: 476 Thanks: 5 Thanked 28 Times in 24 Posts	Mine last ages, first zt cdti had 300'000 on it and changed the clutch once in my ownership, my existing has 230'000 on it and again only changed once so far in my ownership __________________ 1958 White Ford Consul Convertible 1965 Gold Ford Zodiac Executive 1997 Blue Jaguar Xk8 Convertible 2003 Green MGZT 260 Project 2004 Monogram Poseidon MGZT cdti 2004 Pearl Black MGZT 260

15th January 2024, 17:45	#6
zaph Avid contributor Rover 75 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Leeds Posts: 135 Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 11 Posts	The only reason that would go quickly is low quality parts. I am very surprised that DMGRs told you this, as it means they aren't showing much faith in their parts. The original factory slave on mine went at 120K miles and the replacement is still going strong 70K miles later. Though the part I fitted has now been discontinued because of the high number of failures. So I have got lucky. However I am surprised that there isn't one decent slave cylinder available, as they also use them on Landrovers. There is no reason this part should fail rapidly, unless it is poorly made.