National clutch

[maxi_crawf]

I had one fitted to my 75 cdt a couple of years ago and I have to say it's working ok and is way much lighter than the original one was, if I knew then what I know now I might have not had it fitted, but, as I say it's working fine.

[brianw]

I thought I should ressurect this thread as a reminder to members as I see these clutches are still in evidence on Ebay and elsewhere.

I originally saw this thread shortly after having a clutch fitted to my CDT, which I admit was a bit worrying.
I had been under the impression that LUK parts where to be fitted but was told the National brand were just as good. The man to fit the clutch was there with parts in his hand so I did not argue.
I paid extra for the (then long awaited) metal slave as at the time it was considered the best long term option from what I had read.
I replaced the master with a genuine LUK myself shortly afterwards.
Now considerably poorer at least I thought I was sorted for the future.

Just over two years and around 35K have passed since then but the clutch is now slipping badly. I have to allow speed to gradually build up as on acceleration it will slip. I have to still use it to get to work so have adopted a Miss Daisy driving style much to the frustration of those behind me. Hills have become quite a challenge!

When the clutch was fitted the opinion upon examination was that it was the original clutch and slave, so they had covered 218,000 miles.Pretty good. At that point if pressed hard you could get it to slip.

I have myself fitted clutches to a number of cars in the past and have never had to do the job again despite covering quite a number of miles afterwards eg. One Audi 80 clutch fitted around 170k car got to 350k before it went to its maker.

My advice to anyone from this experience would be to avoid the National and other cheap brands and to check with your fitter what is being fitted also rather than take thier word for it, insist on a well known respected brand.
After all it does take some time for the point to be proven!

Sadly now it seems my CDT will be going to meet its maker.
I have replaced clutches in the street before, but with the involvement of the subframe etc. it is not something I would feel happy doing and I am not aware of anyone locally who could do it at a price that would make sense given the cars mileage.
Any suggestions welcome as although I am actively seeking another CDT (automatic this time) I would still keep 'the devil I know' if a way forward were found.
A bit annoying as although she is getting a bit long in the tooth she drives fine and has been very reliable only requiring what I would consider normal service items. Drat, paid out for disks and pads allround and exhaust quite recently.

The main point of this story is that for your own sake buy a decent brand!
If its supply and fit then check what is being fitted and dont feel you have to accept what is on offer, insist on something you feel is reputable.

I saw this thread too late, if you have read this far you will not have that excuse!

[mh007]

I won't fit cheap clutch components to any of my own or my customers cars full stop.
It's never worth it for the work involved.

[marinabrian]

Originally Posted by brianw

I thought I should ressurect this thread as a reminder to members as I see these clutches are still in evidence on Ebay and elsewhere.

I originally saw this thread shortly after having a clutch fitted to my CDT, which I admit was a bit worrying.
I had been under the impression that LUK parts where to be fitted but was told the National brand were just as good. The man to fit the clutch was there with parts in his hand so I did not argue.
I paid extra for the (then long awaited) metal slave as at the time it was considered the best long term option from what I had read.
I replaced the master with a genuine LUK myself shortly afterwards.
Now considerably poorer at least I thought I was sorted for the future.

Just over two years and around 35K have passed since then but the clutch is now slipping badly. I have to allow speed to gradually build up as on acceleration it will slip. I have to still use it to get to work so have adopted a Miss Daisy driving style much to the frustration of those behind me. Hills have become quite a challenge!

When the clutch was fitted the opinion upon examination was that it was the original clutch and slave, so they had covered 218,000 miles.Pretty good. At that point if pressed hard you could get it to slip.

I have myself fitted clutches to a number of cars in the past and have never had to do the job again despite covering quite a number of miles afterwards eg. One Audi 80 clutch fitted around 170k car got to 350k before it went to its maker.

My advice to anyone from this experience would be to avoid the National and other cheap brands and to check with your fitter what is being fitted also rather than take thier word for it, insist on a well known respected brand.
After all it does take some time for the point to be proven!

Sadly now it seems my CDT will be going to meet its maker.
I have replaced clutches in the street before, but with the involvement of the subframe etc. it is not something I would feel happy doing and I am not aware of anyone locally who could do it at a price that would make sense given the cars mileage.
Any suggestions welcome as although I am actively seeking another CDT (automatic this time) I would still keep 'the devil I know' if a way forward were found.
A bit annoying as although she is getting a bit long in the tooth she drives fine and has been very reliable only requiring what I would consider normal service items. Drat, paid out for disks and pads allround and exhaust quite recently.

The main point of this story is that for your own sake buy a decent brand!
If its supply and fit then check what is being fitted and dont feel you have to accept what is on offer, insist on something you feel is reputable.

I saw this thread too late, if you have read this far you will not have that excuse!

The reason the clutch is slipping will be due to the driven plate being seized on the clutch splines, causing premature wear.

The person who fitted your clutch didn't apply grease to the input shaft, and this will become evident when you struggle to part the gearbox from the engine

Fit another clutch, it's not too bad a job is you take your time, and take care with the job, and it will outlast the car.

I'm not too sure about automatic versions being superior either, I really cannot get my head around the cruise control behaviour, or the lack of engine braking, but if you are determined to go down that route, test drive a prospective purchase on a dual carriageway, preferably with a hill or two before making up your mind

And no I still wouldn't fit a National clutch to any car I own, or indeed anyone elses for that matter

Brian

[brianw]

Originally Posted by marinabrian

The reason the clutch is slipping will be due to the driven plate being seized on the clutch splines, causing premature wear.

The person who fitted your clutch didn't apply grease to the input shaft, and this will become evident when you struggle to part the gearbox from the engine

Fit another clutch, it's not too bad a job is you take your time, and take care with the job, and it will outlast the car.

I'm not too sure about automatic versions being superior either, I really cannot get my head around the cruise control behaviour, or the lack of engine braking, but if you are determined to go down that route, test drive a prospective purchase on a dual carriageway, preferably with a hill or two before making up your mind

And no I still wouldn't fit a National clutch to any car I own, or indeed anyone elses for that matter

Brian

I have been considering just replacing it but at the moment the main thing is time and place to do it. Doing it on the street is not ideal. Itcan be a bit risky to when you have your legs sticking out the wrong side to get access to something and someone comes along a bit quick .
By the sound of what you say you anticipate I may have a bit of a struggle as well.
I have changed about ten clutches in my time on various vehicles I have had over the years but somehow dont fancy attempting this one on my own in the street.

Re Auto:
I think it is a question of preference rather than superiority.
I think the manual has a nice gearbox with a good feel to change.
I like driving my other halfs 1.8 auto and have fancied a diesel Auto for myself.
Against is the extra road tax and I would anticipate a hit on the MPG

I have been to look at a couple of 75s for sale this weekend but they did not say buy me.

[DMGRS]

If you fancy a day out Oop Norf in Southport, I'll gladly throw a little discount your way to make up for the rather long journey...

There's a reason I stick to Borg & Beck clutches - they've proven themselves.
There seemed to be a huge influx of cheaper 1.8T / V6 clutches on the market a few years ago - no idea where they came from, but I wonder how they all got on.

[brianw]

Originally Posted by DMGRS

If you fancy a day out Oop Norf in Southport, I'll gladly throw a little discount your way to make up for the rather long journey...

There's a reason I stick to Borg & Beck clutches - they've proven themselves.
There seemed to be a huge influx of cheaper 1.8T / V6 clutches on the market a few years ago - no idea where they came from, but I wonder how they all got on.

Thanks for that Matt.
In retrospect I should have made that trip. I remember speaking to you about it.
Its a bit late now though. I had to turn around from going to work today as it had got so bad. A local trip only to get it sorted is all I can contemplate now.
Not sure which way the wind will blow yet as I havevmy eye on another 75.