Google Groups no longer supports new Usenet posts or subscriptions. Historical content remains viewable.
Dismiss

Mr.Clutch?

82 views
Skip to first unread message

Partac

unread,
Sep 20, 2008, 9:32:38 AM9/20/08
to
I would be grateful if anybody would share their experiences of Mr. Clutch,
good or bad. My stepson put his Audi A6 in for a replacement clutch, having
been quoted £350 for the job. Unfortunately, once the gearbox was removed
the price rose to £1000 as it supposedly needs an new flywheel as well.
When he related this story to friends at the local rugby club, he was
told by several people "Oh, that's normal- Mr.Clutch are always doing that -
you never get the job done for the original quoted price", and that they
wouldn't touch them with a bargepole.
Does it seem likely that he is being shafted? After all, an extra £650
for supply and fit (6 bolts?) a new flywheel seems a little on the high side
to me - I know original German parts are always ridiculously expensive but
that seems to be ripping the arse out of it.
Any replies, helpful, sarcastic or even downright abusive gratefully
received!


Chris Whelan

unread,
Sep 20, 2008, 9:59:09 AM9/20/08
to
Partac wrote:

I don't know the A6, but if the flywheel is a dual mass one, they are prone
to failure, and the price quoted could well be realistic.

Perhaps you/he should 'phone a dealer for a flywheel price?

FWIW, I know several folk who have used the local Mr Clutch; none of them
would do so a second time...

Chris

--
Remove prejudice to reply.

Chris Bartram

unread,
Sep 20, 2008, 10:14:01 AM9/20/08
to
Well, a dual-mass flywheel for a diesel one is listed at £235 at GSF. I
don't know if other A6 models use a DMF, but they are a common failing-
official reccomendation is to change with the clutch, and to be honest,
even that price sounds a lot cheaper than I heard quite recently.

My sister used Mr Clutch a few years ago: true to form they said the
flywheel needed a skim (maybe it did!) but she just told them to fit the
clutch anyway.

Mrcheerful

unread,
Sep 20, 2008, 10:34:04 AM9/20/08
to

much the same as all quick fit places, they have to boost the job to earn
money, they have to estimate a low price to get you in. they don't get
repeat business or recommendations so they just take everything they can off
each person that walks in the door on their first and only visit. One of my
customers went to a mr clutch, then asked me to fix the oil leak and the
reversing lights!! I told her to take it back to them and I refused to work
on it when she next asked. I would have done the clutch cheaper than them
and done it properly first time.


Mike G

unread,
Sep 20, 2008, 10:50:50 AM9/20/08
to

"Mrcheerful" <nbk...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:wR7Bk.60649$E41....@text.news.virginmedia.com...

Seems a bit churlish. Would you treat a new customer with a
similar experience with Mr Clutch in the same way?
Having said that I can still understand how you might feel.
Mike.

steve robinson

unread,
Sep 20, 2008, 12:46:36 PM9/20/08
to
Partac wrote:


Had similar problems with them several years ago. They reckoned my
gearbox was damaged , all the bastards did was spray the gearbox green
and call it reconditioned .The only problem was a slipping clutch
unfortunatly my wife dealt with the problem initially as i was away
from home .

An inspection revealed that the gearbox had not been changed , the
clutch was the original unit , the adjustment mechanism had been
adjusted but all the nuts were loose

biggest bunch of wankers on this earth


--

R D S

unread,
Sep 20, 2008, 3:21:17 PM9/20/08
to
"steve robinson" <st...@colevalleyinteriors.co.uk> wrote in message
news:xn0fveocs...@news-text.blueyonder.co.uk...

>
> An inspection revealed that the gearbox had not been changed , the
> clutch was the original unit , the adjustment mechanism had been
> adjusted but all the nuts were loose
>
> biggest bunch of wankers on this earth
>
It is because of stories like these that I let my cars fall to bits, it's
too hard to find a honest mechanic.

A guy opened up locally car sales & garage about 6 months ago.
We bought a car from him and he did some work on our other car, he was
helpful, reasonable and seemed genuinely honest, I really liked the bloke.
He shut down last week damn it.


Ian

unread,
Sep 20, 2008, 5:06:22 PM9/20/08
to

"R D S" <rsa...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:6jl0pqF...@mid.individual.net...
I have NEVER found an honest mechanic either. Most either lie to get rich
quick,
or work for the likes of Kwik Fit or Lookers. They seem to work on a
performance related pay or bonus system so items that are not faulty get
changed.
Kwik Fit love telling lies to women about brakes and the pound signs start
appearing if they see a baby seat. Main dealers like Lookers will often
pass a
car through an MOT without carrying out repairs and for some odd reason only
known to VOSA staff, no action is ever taken until a customer has an
accident and the police are involved.
My local Lookers were investigated by Trading Standards who sent in a few
test cars after a number of customer complaints. People were being ripped
off,
unauthorised work was carried out and people were charged for parts never
changed during services. KwikFit management seems to pressure workers into
getting as much as they can out of each customer in order to meet sales
targets.
A local RapidFit were also investigated after carrying out shoddy work.
They
did a classic of removing a seal but not putting an oil seal back, so the
new clutch
had to be replaced a few days later. On another car they claimed a blocked
heater matrix was not at fault and it was the thermostat causing a lack of
heat!
They were all puzzled for two whole days as they couldn't work out how the
water travelled from the engine and through the matrix. I also watched
idiots
working for MSF Ford wheelspinning across the workshop and beeping the
horns as people were under the bonnet. All very silly.

Half the mechanics about now haven't got a clue, the other half is split
between
main dealers ripping people off by only knowing how to use a fault reader
and
others working on a points or bonus system to ensure the customers is being
charged for work not required. Lie to make as much out of each person as
possible.

I know of one branch of Lookers that passed a car through an MOT with a
broken track rod end and wheel bearing. A full 12month certificate was
given and the advisory note "lost". Another allowed a car out with
defective
brakes after the rear drums were put together incorrectly. There was no
need to ever remove them. What about a bald tyre on a car that must have
either not been inspected or had the bald one put back after the MOT.

VOSA will not get involved and no one will take reports of this kind
seriously
unfortunately. Even Trading Standards will only prosecute smaller garages
and
not big dealership names. There is an arrangement in place obviously.

We should all name and shame garages that rip us off. Next time you go to a
main dealer, put a mark on your air filter and oil filter. You will be
amazed how
many charge for the parts and never change them. Vauxhall and Honda
dealers are also well known for deliberately overfilling the engine oil so
it goes
above maximum. This could be to generate repeat business. So check the oil
levels before you leave the garage. In both garages they have done this on
three cars I sent in over a 6month period.

I took one car back to a Vauxhall garage and 5.2litres of oil was drained
off
after the mechanic had written on their healthcheck form "oil very slightly
over
maximum".

Garages are ripping customers off each day, so beware and refuse to pay for
work that is NOT required and for parts NOT changed.

Adrian

unread,
Sep 20, 2008, 5:16:33 PM9/20/08
to
"Ian" <ian....@mconsin.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying:

> I have NEVER found an honest mechanic either.

I know plenty.

> I know of one branch of Lookers that passed a car through an MOT with a
> broken track rod end

No, you don't. If the TRE was actually "broken", the car would be
literally undrivable.

> We should all name and shame garages that rip us off.

Strange how many people in the motor trade could probably name and shame
plenty of customers who are trying to get something for nothing.

Conor

unread,
Sep 21, 2008, 4:29:49 AM9/21/08
to
In article <6jl7hgF...@mid.individual.net>, Adrian says...

> "Ian" <ian....@mconsin.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they
> were saying:
>
> > I have NEVER found an honest mechanic either.
>
> I know plenty.
>
> > I know of one branch of Lookers that passed a car through an MOT with a
> > broken track rod end
>
> No, you don't. If the TRE was actually "broken", the car would be
> literally undrivable.
>
My new Capri passed an MOT with two holes in the floor where the floor
meets the sill, a non functioning OSF indicator, fucked headlight earth
on the passenger side so non of the headlights or indicator functioned
properly and a halfshaft oil seal that was so fucked, gear oil leaked
down the backplate onto the rim providing symptoms the same as a
leaking wheel cylinder.

Done by one of our Asian friends at a garage in Northampton. My bet is
it never saw the test station. Needless to say, VOSA were informed and
inspected the car at Beverley. I doubt the MOT tester will have his
licence much longer.


--
Conor

I only please one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow isn't
looking good either. - Scott Adams

Sarah

unread,
Sep 21, 2008, 5:38:40 AM9/21/08
to

"Conor" <conor_...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:6jmf02F...@mid.individual.net...

> In article <6jl7hgF...@mid.individual.net>, Adrian says...
>> "Ian" <ian....@mconsin.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they
>> were saying:
>>
>> > I have NEVER found an honest mechanic either.
>>
>> I know plenty.
>>
>> > I know of one branch of Lookers that passed a car through an MOT with a
>> > broken track rod end
>>
>> No, you don't. If the TRE was actually "broken", the car would be
>> literally undrivable.
>>
> My new Capri passed an MOT with two holes in the floor where the floor
> meets the sill, a non functioning OSF indicator, fucked headlight earth
> on the passenger side so non of the headlights or indicator functioned
> properly and a halfshaft oil seal that was so fucked, gear oil leaked
> down the backplate onto the rim providing symptoms the same as a
> leaking wheel cylinder.
>
> Done by one of our Asian friends at a garage in Northampton. My bet is
> it never saw the test station. Needless to say, VOSA were informed and
> inspected the car at Beverley. I doubt the MOT tester will have his
> licence much longer.
>
>
>

That is terrible Conor! how in gods name did they pass that!

Why did you put it in for a MOT like that ? was you thinking whatever they
find they can fix and then pass it ?


Chris Whelan

unread,
Sep 21, 2008, 6:02:15 AM9/21/08
to
Sarah wrote:

[...]


>
> That is terrible Conor! how in gods name did they pass that!

Welcome to the world of the motor trade! I also know of vehicles that
are "paper legal", yet never went near the MOT bay.

(Sincere apologies to the likes of Mr Cheerful, reg, et al; if only there
were more like you.)


> Why did you put it in for a MOT like that ? was you thinking whatever they
> find they can fix and then pass it ?

Conor said it was his new Capri, so I'm guessing he bought it like that,
rather than submitted it himself.

R D S

unread,
Sep 21, 2008, 6:22:21 AM9/21/08
to
"Conor" <conor_...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:6jmf02F...@mid.individual.net...
> Done by one of our Asian friends

What are you suggesting?!


asahartz

unread,
Sep 21, 2008, 8:01:15 AM9/21/08
to

More than likely as he doen't live anywhere near Northampton either. He
knows his Capris and wouldn't MOT a faulty car.

I have to say some bits of Holly's Mini should never have passed the MOT
- there is a fail sheet with it as well as the pass certificate, but at
least one of the items on there was never done - exhaust mounting
bracket - because there wasn't one and I had to fit it myself.
Apparently it needed welding to the sill - there was a badly done patch
on there (MOT legal but still badly done!) but I can also still see
daylight through one part of the sill!
--
asahartz woz ere

DanB

unread,
Sep 21, 2008, 10:00:50 AM9/21/08
to

"Ian" <ian....@mconsin.com> wrote in message
news:gb3ol6$a2v$1...@news.albasani.net...
>
<snip some junk>

Copying and pasting your standard bullshit is really pathetic. I assume you
must keep a folder full of notepad files, each with a different bollocks
response to peoples questions?

--
Dan B
Clio R27

Colin Wilson

unread,
Sep 21, 2008, 12:49:56 PM9/21/08
to
> > Done by one of our Asian friends
> What are you suggesting?!

I suspect the indians are outnumbered by the cowboys...

Adrian

unread,
Sep 21, 2008, 2:32:12 PM9/21/08
to
"R D S" <rsa...@yahoo.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they were
saying:

> "Conor" <conor_...@hotmail.com> wrote in message

> What are you suggesting?!

Quite. I wonder if Conor would have felt it necessary to mention if the
tester had, say, an Irish sounding name?

Conor

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 4:47:20 AM9/22/08
to
In article <gidcd4h8bfobesadl...@4ax.com>, asahartz
says...

> On Sun, 21 Sep 2008 11:02:15 +0100, Chris Whelan
> <cawh...@prejudicentlworld.com> wrote:
>
> >Sarah wrote:
> >
> >[...]
> >>
> >> That is terrible Conor! how in gods name did they pass that!
> >
> >Welcome to the world of the motor trade! I also know of vehicles that
> >are "paper legal", yet never went near the MOT bay.
> >
> >(Sincere apologies to the likes of Mr Cheerful, reg, et al; if only there
> >were more like you.)
> >
> >
> >> Why did you put it in for a MOT like that ? was you thinking whatever they
> >> find they can fix and then pass it ?
> >
> >Conor said it was his new Capri, so I'm guessing he bought it like that,
> >rather than submitted it himself.
> >

Yeah, that's right. The previous keeper MOT'd it mid-June. I bought it
the beginning of August.

> More than likely as he doen't live anywhere near Northampton either. He
> knows his Capris and wouldn't MOT a faulty car.
>

Too chuffing right. I have one MOT station I use because I get a strict
MOT. My old Capper never failed a test. One of the things on the new
Capper is a fuelpump bracket next to the tank that's quite rotten. I
was horrified to find it's not even testable.

The holes in the sill are obvious and have been there a while - they're
not something that's just appeared - and one of them has been blatantly
bodged with silicone.

I've got a couple more jobs I want to do on it before I deem it
driveable to my satisfaction and if I were to sell it, I'd do them
before I sold it, even though they're not testable items.

Conor

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 4:49:00 AM9/22/08
to
In article <6jni9cF...@mid.individual.net>, Adrian says...
My experience of MOT testers and garages run by ethnic minorities is
that there's a higher percentage of them which are dodgy.

Adrian

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 4:51:05 AM9/22/08
to
Conor <conor_...@hotmail.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying:

> One of the things on the new Capper is a fuelpump bracket next to the

> tank that's quite rotten. I was horrified to find it's not even
> testable.

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_720.htm

Method of inspection...
1. Check the following for leaks or insecurity:
c. all visible fuel system components.

Reasons for rejection...
b. a fuel system component insecure.

Conor

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 5:11:16 AM9/22/08
to
In article <6jp4jpF...@mid.individual.net>, Adrian says...
Sadly a rotten bracket doesn't make it insecure. They're surrounded by
a great big block of rubber and the pipes are so short, they hold it in
place.

I'm still changing it though.

Mike P

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 5:13:38 AM9/22/08
to
Conor wrote:
> In article <6jni9cF...@mid.individual.net>, Adrian says...
>> "R D S" <rsa...@yahoo.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they
>> were saying:
>>
>>> "Conor" <conor_...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:6jmf02F...@mid.individual.net...
>>>> Done by one of our Asian friends
>>
>>> What are you suggesting?!
>>
>> Quite. I wonder if Conor would have felt it necessary to mention if
>> the tester had, say, an Irish sounding name?
>>
> My experience of MOT testers and garages run by ethnic minorities is
> that there's a higher percentage of them which are dodgy.

I'm not agreeing or disagreeing but out of the last 5 garages I've used, 3
have been run by whitey and 2 by ethnic minorities. On satisfaction rating,
the Ethnics are currently ahead. They both did top jobs, as did the garage
in Missenden that Adrian used to use. The other two white run garages up
North were *shit*. Dangerously so, to the point of putting a brake pad in
the wrong way round. I still have the pad with the piston mark on the
friction surface. I'm so glad I foudn out about that on the M65 at night..

MIke P


Adrian

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 5:18:07 AM9/22/08
to
"Mike P" <pri...@privacy.net> gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying:

> I'm not agreeing or disagreeing but out of the last 5 garages I've


> used, 3 have been run by whitey and 2 by ethnic minorities. On
> satisfaction rating, the Ethnics are currently ahead. They both did top
> jobs, as did the garage in Missenden that Adrian used to use.

I think you may be thinking of somewhere else - I don't think "balding
but still just about noticably ginger" counts as an ethnic minority...

Adrian

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 5:18:30 AM9/22/08
to
Conor <conor_...@hotmail.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying:

>> > One of the things on the new Capper is a fuelpump bracket next to the
>> > tank that's quite rotten. I was horrified to find it's not even
>> > testable.

>> http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_720.htm
>>
>> Method of inspection...
>> 1. Check the following for leaks or insecurity: c. all visible fuel
>> system components.
>>
>> Reasons for rejection...
>> b. a fuel system component insecure.

> Sadly a rotten bracket doesn't make it insecure.

So what's the problem?

Mike P

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 5:27:19 AM9/22/08
to

No, I'm not classing LB and his gang as Ethnics ;-), they were the
"non-ethnic" garage that did a *top* job on the XM. Possibly one of the best
garages I've ever used. I used an Indian and a Rasta in Wycombe, both very
good. I used two non-ethnics up North, they were both shite - despite one of
them being our "family" garage for years and still run by the same chap.

I don't think it makes any difference really, but then again, I won't
usually use a garage that's not been recommended to me by someone who knows
what they're on about. Both the chaps in Wycombe are friends of friends, the
supposedly good guy up North is the son of a long time family friend. Only
the guys who totally screwed the MOT on the ZX were not known to me before I
used them.

Mike P

Mike P


Mike P

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 5:29:06 AM9/22/08
to

Good luck Conor, I hope the bastards get strung up. It's a total pisser when
something like this happens, especially on a rot-hiding Capri. My first 2.8i
needed a grands worth of welding 7 months after it had passed an MOT.

Mike P


Mike P

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 5:31:58 AM9/22/08
to
Conor wrote:
> In article <6jl7hgF...@mid.individual.net>, Adrian says...
>> "Ian" <ian....@mconsin.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like
>> they were saying:
>>
>>> I have NEVER found an honest mechanic either.
>>
>> I know plenty.
>>
>>> I know of one branch of Lookers that passed a car through an MOT
>>> with a broken track rod end
>>
>> No, you don't. If the TRE was actually "broken", the car would be
>> literally undrivable.
>>
> My new Capri passed an MOT with two holes in the floor where the floor
> meets the sill, a non functioning OSF indicator, fucked headlight
> earth on the passenger side so non of the headlights or indicator
> functioned properly and a halfshaft oil seal that was so fucked, gear
> oil leaked down the backplate onto the rim providing symptoms the
> same as a leaking wheel cylinder.
>
> Done by one of our Asian friends at a garage in Northampton. My bet is
> it never saw the test station. Needless to say, VOSA were informed and
> inspected the car at Beverley. I doubt the MOT tester will have his
> licence much longer.

Back in 88 or so we bought a Commer Camper with a 11 month ticket. Similar
situation to yours. It had some serious rot around the rear suspension
hangers and other various problems. The seller even came and threatened my
dad - "don't report it or else". Wrong thing to do with my dad..

Anyway, we did report it, the test station lost his licence pretty quickly
IIRC.

Mike P


Adrian

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 5:33:14 AM9/22/08
to
"Mike P" <pri...@privacy.net> gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying:

>>> I'm not agreeing or disagreeing but out of the last 5 garages I've
>>> used, 3 have been run by whitey and 2 by ethnic minorities. On
>>> satisfaction rating, the Ethnics are currently ahead. They both did
>>> top jobs, as did the garage in Missenden that Adrian used to use.

>> I think you may be thinking of somewhere else - I don't think "balding
>> but still just about noticably ginger" counts as an ethnic minority...

> No, I'm not classing LB and his gang as Ethnics ;-), they were the
> "non-ethnic" garage that did a *top* job on the XM.

Ah, gotcha.

<re-reads>
My bad.

steve robinson

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 5:44:41 AM9/22/08
to
Mike P wrote:

Moral of the story never trust an MOT when you buy a car .

--

Pete M

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 6:04:55 AM9/22/08
to

The thing about Capris is they only tend to rust in certain places, any
MOT tester should know where they are as it's a simple car and the rust
tends to be bloody obvious on them. If it was MOT'd in June Conor
/might/ just get away with his complaint about the rust issues. Headlamp
earth isn't an issue if you tap the light and it comes on - that,
amazingly, is good enough for a pass (discussed this very thing with a
VOSA inspector last week). Indicator not working 3 months later doesn't
mean shit on a 20 year old car, neither does the leaky rear axle or the
rotten fuel pump bracket.

I suspect that tester will last a good while yet, unfortunately.

There used to be a tester near me whos name appeared on more MOT'd old
sheds than you'd believe, to the extent that you could go looking at
cars and spot the ones which were pretty much guaranteed to have one of
his MOTs on. He must have been MOTing most of the old shite on
Merseyside for about 10 years, and VOSA had 'random inspected' his
garage quite a few times but could never pin a bloody thing on him.

*Never* buy an older car with 9 months MOT...

--
Pete M - OMF#9

BMW 325i SE Touring
Range Rover V8 Turbo
Renault 30 TX Auto

"Wait! We can't stop here, this is Bat Country"

Pete M

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 6:07:59 AM9/22/08
to

I do hope you don't mean me...

Adrian

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 6:10:28 AM9/22/08
to
Pete M <pete....@SPAMFREEblueyonder.co.uk> gurgled happily, sounding

much like they were saying:

>>> I'm not agreeing or disagreeing but out of the last 5 garages I've
>>> used, 3 have been run by whitey and 2 by ethnic minorities. On
>>> satisfaction rating, the Ethnics are currently ahead. They both did
>>> top jobs, as did the garage in Missenden that Adrian used to use.

>> I think you may be thinking of somewhere else - I don't think "balding
>> but still just about noticably ginger" counts as an ethnic minority...

> I do hope you don't mean me...

No, you're a scouser, so definitely effnic.

Conor

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 11:21:21 AM9/22/08
to
In article <6jp676F...@mid.individual.net>, Adrian says...
I prefer not to have a fuelpump held in place solely by fuel lines.

Conor

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 11:23:21 AM9/22/08
to
In article <gb7qjt$hh7$1...@registered.motzarella.org>, Pete M says...

> If it was MOT'd in June Conor
> /might/ just get away with his complaint about the rust issues. Headlamp
> earth isn't an issue if you tap the light and it comes on - that,
> amazingly, is good enough for a pass (discussed this very thing with a
> VOSA inspector last week).

There was no headlamp earth. It was just hanging in space. It's also
the earth for the passenger indicator too.

> Indicator not working 3 months later doesn't
> mean shit on a 20 year old car,

Was a broken stalk.

> neither does the leaky rear axle

It does when there was a repacement set in the boot.

Conor

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 11:24:11 AM9/22/08
to
In article <xn0fvh6dv...@news-text.blueyonder.co.uk>, steve
robinson says...
I don't. They're only worth a toss on the day of the test. I'm more
incensed by the blatant glossing over of certain points.

Adrian

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 11:48:55 AM9/22/08
to
Conor <conor_...@hotmail.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying:

>> >> > One of the things on the new Capper is a fuelpump bracket next to
>> >> > the tank that's quite rotten. I was horrified to find it's not
>> >> > even testable.

>> >> http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_720.htm
>> >>
>> >> Method of inspection...
>> >> 1. Check the following for leaks or insecurity: c. all visible fuel
>> >> system components.
>> >>
>> >> Reasons for rejection...
>> >> b. a fuel system component insecure.

>> > Sadly a rotten bracket doesn't make it insecure.

>> So what's the problem?

> I prefer not to have a fuelpump held in place solely by fuel lines.

If it's secure, what's the problem?
If it's insecure, it's a fail.

Adrian

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 11:49:32 AM9/22/08
to
Conor <conor_...@hotmail.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying:

>> Indicator not working 3 months later doesn't mean shit on a 20 year old
>> car,

> Was a broken stalk.

When did it break?

>> neither does the leaky rear axle

> It does when there was a repacement set in the boot.

Purchased when?

Conor

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 12:30:32 PM9/22/08
to
In article <6jpt4cF...@mid.individual.net>, Adrian says...

> Conor <conor_...@hotmail.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they
> were saying:
>
> >> Indicator not working 3 months later doesn't mean shit on a 20 year old
> >> car,
>
> > Was a broken stalk.
>
> When did it break?
>
Certainly before the MOT. It was the metal housing it's in. Had split
down the back.

> >> neither does the leaky rear axle
>
> > It does when there was a repacement set in the boot.
>
> Purchased when?
>

Long enough ago for the retaining ring to have surface rust.

Adrian

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 1:23:10 PM9/22/08
to
Conor <conor_...@hotmail.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying:

>> >> Indicator not working 3 months later doesn't mean shit on a 20 year
>> >> old car,

>> > Was a broken stalk.

>> When did it break?

> Certainly before the MOT. It was the metal housing it's in. Had split
> down the back.

How do you know it was before the MOT?

>> >> neither does the leaky rear axle

>> > It does when there was a repacement set in the boot.

>> Purchased when?

> Long enough ago for the retaining ring to have surface rust.

<shrug> Doesn't mean anything. It may be new-old stock that's sat around
in poor storage conditions before being sold to the guy when the leak was
found just before sale. Is a leaky back axle even a fail point? I doubt
it.

R D S

unread,
Sep 22, 2008, 1:32:26 PM9/22/08
to
Conor wrote:
> In article <6jni9cF...@mid.individual.net>, Adrian says...
>> "R D S" <rsa...@yahoo.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they
>> were saying:
>>
>>> "Conor" <conor_...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:6jmf02F...@mid.individual.net...
>>>> Done by one of our Asian friends
>>
>>> What are you suggesting?!
>>
>> Quite. I wonder if Conor would have felt it necessary to mention if
>> the tester had, say, an Irish sounding name?
>>
> My experience of MOT testers and garages run by ethnic *minorities* is

Well there's certainly none of those around here (Blackburn).

> that there's a higher percentage of them which are dodgy.

I dunno about that but they still seem to be able to do a days work for less
than you could hire a brain surgeon, unlike their white counterparts.


Doctor D

unread,
Sep 24, 2008, 3:11:38 AM9/24/08
to

> VOSA will not get involved and no one will take reports of this kind
> seriously
> unfortunately. Even Trading Standards will only prosecute smaller garages
> and
> not big dealership names. There is an arrangement in place obviously.

Being a cynic, a quick Google reveals that in 2007, for failures when
servicing or repairing cars; Allen Ford Group were prosecuted by
Warwickshire TS, and Nationwide Autocentres by Bournemouth TS, and Charles
Hurst Group by Belfast TS...................

My local village mechanic is fantastic. Ł30 per hour, collection and
delivery service and repairs parts rather than replaces them. Never had a
problem with any job he's done.
The only issue comes when goes on holiday and shuts for a fortnight!

Graz

unread,
Sep 26, 2008, 1:41:27 AM9/26/08
to
On Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:49:00 +0100, Conor <conor_...@hotmail.com>
wrote:

>In article <6jni9cF...@mid.individual.net>, Adrian says...
>> "R D S" <rsa...@yahoo.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they were
>> saying:
>>
>> > "Conor" <conor_...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> > news:6jmf02F...@mid.individual.net...
>> >> Done by one of our Asian friends
>>
>> > What are you suggesting?!
>>
>> Quite. I wonder if Conor would have felt it necessary to mention if the
>> tester had, say, an Irish sounding name?
>>
>My experience of MOT testers and garages run by ethnic minorities is
>that there's a higher percentage of them which are dodgy.

Blacks are far less dodgy than Pakis.

sam ogrady

unread,
Jul 13, 2009, 3:41:39 PM7/13/09
to
Just had an MOT done, it failed on back brakes and cylinders, lights dipped to low, and an air freshner hanging over 40mm !!!!!!!! They could have saved one of those, why didnt they pull the air freshner off, it was broken anyway.....they quoted me £290.00 to put all repairs right, my friend said that was daylight robbery and to go and get a quote elsewhere. I did this and got the same repairs done for £74.84. !!!! They should not be called Mr Clutch, my mate calls them Mr I clutch all your money ..... they also should have a website called come to us and we will rip you off.com. As you can prob tell I would rather eat shit, they step one foot onto Mr rip you off again !!! (that was from my mate, ha ha ha ) she said she might get a wrench and stick it up Mr Clutch's bottom!!! then phone the police and tell them he is going out armed with an illegal weapon..... Note to Mr Clutch from Lenne and Sam , shuv your 300% dearer quote up from backside, but please remember to remove the wrench first!!!!

url:http://myreader.co.uk/msg/127540040.aspx

sam ogrady

unread,
Jul 13, 2009, 3:53:28 PM7/13/09
to

reg

unread,
Jul 13, 2009, 4:56:20 PM7/13/09
to

"sam ogrady" <mrclutc...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:844b024e8c3949d7...@newspe.com...

Just had an MOT done, it failed on back brakes and cylinders, lights dipped
to low, and an air freshner hanging over 40mm !!!!!!!! They could have saved
one of those, why didnt they pull the air freshner off, it was broken
anyway.....

we arnt allowed to just pull things off we have to test the vehicle as
presented & yes its a fail. What they should have done was to give you the
opportunity to remove it when you dropped the vehicle off. Your not the
only one it happens to, i had 8 mot's today and over half of them had stuff
hanging from the mirror & sat nav holders stuck to the window.


Chris Whelan

unread,
Jul 13, 2009, 5:09:58 PM7/13/09
to

How strange you are posting this.

If I had presented such a poorly maintained vehicle with such glaringly
obvious points of failure for an MOT *anywhere*, I'd be too embarrassed
to tell a soul...

Chris

--
Remove prejudice to reply.

Unbeliever

unread,
Jul 13, 2009, 6:00:16 PM7/13/09
to
sam ogrady wrote:
> Just had an MOT done, it failed on back brakes and cylinders, lights
> dipped to low,

Don't you have the car regularly serviced - either DIY or professionally?
If you did, then this would have been sorted before the MoT.

BTW, if the rear brakes are that bad, you would have known about it anyway.

>and an air freshner hanging over 40mm !!!!!!!! They
> could have saved one of those, why didnt they pull the air freshner
> off, it was broken anyway...

Why have such a poxy thing hanging in front of you? And if you knew it was
broken, why didn't you take remove you lazy sod?

>they quoted me �290.00 to put all
> repairs right, my friend said that was daylight robbery and to go and
> get a quote elsewhere.

Probably saw the state of your car and quoted for the worst case scenario -
or perhaps they thought that we don't really want to work on this pile of
shit so we'll quote high - and if he accepts it well...

>I did this and got the same repairs done for
> �74.84.

I wonder what the state of that job is? Especially if they had to change
the cylinders, fit new linings and bleed the system - plus adjust the
headlights for that price.

>!!!! They should not be called Mr Clutch, my mate calls them
> Mr I clutch all your money ..... they also should have a website
> called come to us and we will rip you off.com. As you can prob tell I
> would rather eat shit, they step one foot onto Mr rip you off again
> !!! (that was from my mate, ha ha ha ) she said she might get a
> wrench and stick it up Mr Clutch's bottom!!! then phone the police
> and tell them he is going out armed with an illegal weapon..... Note
> to Mr Clutch from Lenne and Sam , shuv your 300% dearer quote up from
> backside, but please remember to remove the wrench first!!!!

Perhaps if you managed to connect brain cell number 1 to brain cell number 2
with a couple of jumper leads (in series to get more power), you might just
realise that they probably did you a favour by failing your car, thus
forcing you to get the jobs done - possibly saving someone from serious
injury!


Duncan Wood

unread,
Jul 13, 2009, 6:22:49 PM7/13/09
to


& given the other fails it wouldn't make any difference.

bert

unread,
Dec 31, 2009, 7:36:38 AM12/31/09
to
I worked for Mr clutch for nearly two years (unfortunatly)
I had been in the motor trade for over 20 years. I know Mr clutch was an absolute scam. Advertised clutch replacement at low prices to draw people in. Then try and sell every customer a flywheel skim, the flywheel skim can be done in 5 minutes on a flat bed grinder and for this they charge on average about £60.00 this operation is carried out by a youngster with no skill whatsoever then if he cocks it up they phone the customer and tell them they tried to skim the flywheel but it was to far gone so you need a replacement, the youngster gets a bollocking and you get a flywhheel you didn't need. this is one of many scams that I came across at Mr clutch. WD40 sprayed on slave cylinders and many other components to make it look like they need replacing. Avoid this company for any work you need carried out on your vehicles. email me for full details.

url:http://myreader.co.uk/msg/127540040.aspx

steve robinson

unread,
Jan 1, 2010, 10:32:25 AM1/1/10
to
bert wrote:

They stitched me years ago on the wifes 205 , cost 500 for clutch ,
gearbox and flywheel , the flywheel was never changed the gearbox was
the original and the clutch replacement needed to be redone

Clutch inernational that own them were a waste of time , eventually i
took the law into my own hands and gave the manager a beating he wont
forget

Its amazing they are still trading

m rae

unread,
Jan 18, 2010, 1:12:47 PM1/18/10
to
yes your getting shafted , my a6 clutch has just gone , i gave £520. just in parts from euro car parts , so basically for changing ur clutch , flywheel n master cylinder(maybe) your getting charged £480 labour ? omg they'd have no garage left if they tried that caper with me , i dont mind paying for a mechanics sweat ,just not a fat greedy owners flight to bondi beach lol, should take no longer than a day , i had clutch flywheel n master cylinder fitted , a cv joint and mot'd same day . purely bad design on audi's part , maybe thats why the upgrades a solid flywheel as in the days of old eh audi .

url:http://myreader.co.uk/msg/127540040.aspx

Conor

unread,
Jan 18, 2010, 1:16:02 PM1/18/10
to
In article <42d9dae8d7984809...@newspe.com>, m rae says...
>
> your getting charged =C2=A3480 labour ? omg they'd have no garage
left if they=

> tried that caper with me

You've obviously not changed a clutch on anything built in the last 10
years...
--
Conor

I'm not prejudiced. I hate everybody equally.

love...@hotmail.com

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 5:51:03 AM6/28/17
to
On Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 2:32:38 PM UTC+1, Partac wrote:
> I would be grateful if anybody would share their experiences of Mr. Clutch,
> good or bad. My stepson put his Audi A6 in for a replacement clutch, having
> been quoted £350 for the job. Unfortunately, once the gearbox was removed
> the price rose to £1000 as it supposedly needs an new flywheel as well.
> When he related this story to friends at the local rugby club, he was
> told by several people "Oh, that's normal- Mr.Clutch are always doing that -
> you never get the job done for the original quoted price", and that they
> wouldn't touch them with a bargepole.
> Does it seem likely that he is being shafted? After all, an extra £650
> for supply and fit (6 bolts?) a new flywheel seems a little on the high side
> to me - I know original German parts are always ridiculously expensive but
> that seems to be ripping the arse out of it.
> Any replies, helpful, sarcastic or even downright abusive gratefully
> received!

I feel like a complete knob. Just took my qashqui in for a new clutch and got the old sharp intake of breath crap... "oh and your dual mass flywheel needs replacing" Total cost £1150 (quoted £420 for clutch originally)

MrCheerful

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 7:35:37 AM6/28/17
to
They do wear out and are a significant extra cost, the original quote
should take account of that and be two prices:one with, one without.
Previously with them it was always that your flywheel needs skimming.

Scott M

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 7:40:38 AM6/28/17
to
love...@hotmail.com wrote:
> On Saturday, September 20, 2008(!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

>> I would be grateful if anybody would share their experiences of Mr.
>> Clutch, good or bad. My stepson put his Audi A6 in for a

> I feel like a complete knob. Just took my qashqui in for a new
> clutch and got the old sharp intake of breath crap... "oh and your
> dual mass flywheel needs replacing" Total cost £1150 (quoted £420 for
> clutch originally)

It's near-as-dammit a scam on their part. Was recently talking to a chap
who'd taken his car in and, since the job over-ran and he had nothing
better to do, he was sat in reception for a few hours. The manager was
phoning down the list of every job they had in and repeating the "you
need a new DMF" mantra to every single one.

Theoretically it's not a bad idea to do the flywheel while it's all
apart to save on labour but DMFs aren't £700.

--
Scott

Where are we going and why am I in this handbasket?

Dave Plowman (News)

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 7:50:59 AM6/28/17
to
In article <c31f3686-61fb-48ef...@googlegroups.com>,
Yes - prices will have gone up since the 10 year old post you're replying
to.

--
*42.7% of statistics are made up. Sorry, that should read 47.2% *

Dave Plowman da...@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Chris Whelan

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 7:54:08 AM6/28/17
to
Do you also feel a complete knob for replying to a post asking for help from
2008?

Anyone who uses any of these chains - Halfords Autocentres, Quik Fit et al -
deserves all they get. There is plenty of evidence on-line that they exist
completely and utterly to rip you off.

Dave Plowman (News)

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 8:45:19 AM6/28/17
to
In article <oj04ji$11qg$1...@gioia.aioe.org>,
Surely all you have to do is contact a main dealer to find out the maximum
cost of a flywheel? Might be possible to get aftermarket ones cheaper,
though.

--
*If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?

Chris Whelan

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 9:14:50 AM6/28/17
to
Scott M wrote:

[...]

> Theoretically it's not a bad idea to do the flywheel while it's all
> apart to save on labour but DMFs aren't £700.

ECP price for a typical Qashqai DMF is 650UKP, so 700UKP from a garage isn't
actually a bad price.

Agree that it makes sense to change it with the clutch.

Scott M

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 9:50:01 AM6/28/17
to
Chris Whelan wrote:
> Scott M wrote:
>
> [...]
>
>> Theoretically it's not a bad idea to do the flywheel while it's all
>> apart to save on labour but DMFs aren't £700.
>
> ECP price for a typical Qashqai DMF is 650UKP, so 700UKP from a garage isn't
> actually a bad price.

Blimey, I thought they'd be cheaper than that now they've become a
standard thing. I know I can get a full clutch and DMF kit for my 2004
BMW for about £350.

Dave Plowman (News)

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 10:23:31 AM6/28/17
to
In article <yNM4B.30700$1r....@fx13.am4>,
Chris Whelan <cawh...@prejudicentlworld.com> wrote:
> Anyone who uses any of these chains - Halfords Autocentres, Quik Fit et
> al - deserves all they get. There is plenty of evidence on-line that
> they exist completely and utterly to rip you off.

You'll find evidence of pretty well anything you want to believe online.
Much of the motor trade sets out to rip you off in one way or another.
Sadly, has always been so. The question would be is Quik-Fit etc any worse
than say a BMW main dealer? My personal experience says no.

--
*You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me *

Robin

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 10:48:34 AM6/28/17
to
On 28/06/2017 12:54, Chris Whelan wrote:
>
> Anyone who uses any of these chains - Halfords Autocentres, Quik Fit et al -
> deserves all they get. There is plenty of evidence on-line that they exist
> completely and utterly to rip you off.
>

I've used Halfords for tyres and a couple of O&Es since the only local
independent I'd ever trusted ripped off a friend. I've had none of the
dire warnings/hard sell. But I was shocked last year. The fitter drove
the car out after fitting new tyres and told me there was a grating
noise from one wheel. There sure was. He offered to take a look at it.
He reported back that it was just a stone and he'd poked it out.
Nothing about needing new pads, discs, bearing. What's more he bloody
well didn't ask for a penny. Am I being discriminated against or was he
just an incompetent that Halfords will have sacked/retrained by now?

--
Robin
reply-to address is (intended to be) valid

Chris Whelan

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 11:34:44 AM6/28/17
to
Scott M wrote:

> Chris Whelan wrote:
>> Scott M wrote:
>>
>> [...]
>>
>>> Theoretically it's not a bad idea to do the flywheel while it's all
>>> apart to save on labour but DMFs aren't £700.
>>
>> ECP price for a typical Qashqai DMF is 650UKP, so 700UKP from a garage
>> isn't actually a bad price.
>
> Blimey, I thought they'd be cheaper than that now they've become a
> standard thing. I know I can get a full clutch and DMF kit for my 2004
> BMW for about £350.

Yep, I was surprised.

A supply and demand thing, I guess.

steve robinson

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 11:44:35 AM6/28/17
to
Used them years ago, biggest bunch of con men you will ever meet,
replaced a gearbox on my wife's car (actual fact just sprayed the
old one green ) supposedly replaced clutch and flywheel too which we
later found out was bullocks , avoid them like the plague , I
almost forgot when i got the car back there was 130 miles extra on
the clock too

Dave Plowman (News)

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 12:57:23 PM6/28/17
to
In article <2ej7lcpe1k8a35tq0...@4ax.com>,
steve robinson <st...@colevalleyinteriors.co.uk> wrote:
> Used them years ago, biggest bunch of con men you will ever meet,
> replaced a gearbox on my wife's car (actual fact just sprayed the
> old one green ) supposedly replaced clutch and flywheel too which we
> later found out was bullocks , avoid them like the plague , I
> almost forgot when i got the car back there was 130 miles extra on
> the clock too

If you put the car in to have a gearbox fault fixed and it wasn't, why did
you pay them?

--
*With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.*

alan_m

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 1:27:13 PM6/28/17
to
On 28/06/2017 15:22, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
> In article <yNM4B.30700$1r....@fx13.am4>,
> Chris Whelan <cawh...@prejudicentlworld.com> wrote:
>> Anyone who uses any of these chains - Halfords Autocentres, Quik Fit et
>> al - deserves all they get. There is plenty of evidence on-line that
>> they exist completely and utterly to rip you off.
>
> You'll find evidence of pretty well anything you want to believe online.
> Much of the motor trade sets out to rip you off in one way or another.
> Sadly, has always been so. The question would be is Quik-Fit etc any worse
> than say a BMW main dealer? My personal experience says no.
>

The Ford dealer local to me insists on a plugging in the diagnostics
computer at a cost of £80 + VAT a pop even though the fault is easily
diagnosed without it.

I will avoid Formula One Autocentres (the "trusted family run company")
in future. They were OK for 2 tyres I went in for but I was given a
dire warning about the other tyres that passed an MOT a couple of weeks
later AND the MOT the year after. The "free" 10 point "safety check"
also resulted in a proposed extra £100 of work - which I declined. When
I went to the office to get the guarantee for the tyres they were very
surprised that there was no other work to be done a though they expected
every tyre job to have extras.

My experience with most tyre places is to buy on line or phone up
beforehand for a price (remembering to ask if the price includes valves,
balancing and VAT). A lot of the "trade" seems to operate 4 pricing
structures.

i) With large chains buy on line and make an appointment is cheapest.
ii) Phone up first is cheaper than just turning up
iii) Just turn up and the price is made up on the spot.

iv) Add fitting, valves, balancing, weights, VAT etc. if you forgot to
ask in the cases above if the price they quoted was the all inclusive price.

When local I use a couple of busy back street tyre places but my
experience when on holiday last year and had to use a chain because of
two punctures hasn't been too good.


--
mailto: news {at} admac {dot] myzen {dot} co {dot} uk

Ted

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 1:45:12 PM6/28/17
to
On 28/06/2017 10:51, love...@hotmail.com wrote:
Usual trick used to be to replace the friction plate but charge for a
three piece clutch. I daresay it still goes on.

Ted

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 1:49:01 PM6/28/17
to
If a quote is that far away from the original one you'd probably get
away with telling them to put it back as it was with no charge and
you'll go elsewhere.

Chris Whelan

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 1:55:24 PM6/28/17
to
Ted wrote:

[...]

> If a quote is that far away from the original one you'd probably get
> away with telling them to put it back as it was with no charge and
> you'll go elsewhere.

You really think that would work?

Ted

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 1:59:21 PM6/28/17
to
On 28/06/2017 18:55, Chris Whelan wrote:
> Ted wrote:
>
> [...]
>
>> If a quote is that far away from the original one you'd probably get
>> away with telling them to put it back as it was with no charge and
>> you'll go elsewhere.
>
> You really think that would work?
>
> Chris
>

I'm pretty sure law covers this and that a quote should give an exact
price. Maybe get them to write down the price before they start? I do as
I have a shit memory anyway.


Chris Whelan

unread,
Jun 28, 2017, 4:17:39 PM6/28/17
to
The original price would be for the clutch replacement. If you refused to
accept that further work was needed at additional cost, they would fit the
clutch as agreed, and you would pay for that.

There is no way that they would reassemble the vehicle with the old clutch,
at no cost to the customer.

Main dealers, and I suspect most of these chains, get you to sign a document
outlining the work you have agreed to. This would constitute a contract in
law.

Sadly, the OP needed to do more research. In the first place, a quick
Google, and asking somewhere like here, would let you know that DMF
replacement was likely to be needed. It would be sensible in any case once
the thing was in bits.

Secondly, there are plenty of reviews of Mr Clutch and similar businesses
that would ring alarm bells, at least for me.

steve robinson

unread,
Jun 29, 2017, 7:09:58 AM6/29/17
to
A quote only covers the works as requested and documented i.e replace
clutch additional works like flywheel replacement if it isn't
included would incur an extra cost . There is no obligation for you
to have the flywheel changed, however if it fails or the clutch
fails you may not have a claim against the garage.

If the flywheel is in a dangerous condition the garage are not
obliged to re assemble your vehicle and you can at your own expense
have the vehicle taken to another garage , you will still be
responsible for the cost of the works the original garage has
performed .

If the garage does reassemble your vehicle at your request and
notifies you of the issues again you are responsible for those costs
of the clutch and any further failures .


steve robinson

unread,
Jun 29, 2017, 7:27:22 AM6/29/17
to
On Wed, 28 Jun 2017 17:55:17 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
<da...@davenoise.co.uk> wrote:

>In article <2ej7lcpe1k8a35tq0...@4ax.com>,
> steve robinson <st...@colevalleyinteriors.co.uk> wrote:
>> Used them years ago, biggest bunch of con men you will ever meet,
>> replaced a gearbox on my wife's car (actual fact just sprayed the
>> old one green ) supposedly replaced clutch and flywheel too which we
>> later found out was bullocks , avoid them like the plague , I
>> almost forgot when i got the car back there was 130 miles extra on
>> the clock too
>
>If you put the car in to have a gearbox fault fixed and it wasn't, why did
>you pay them?


It went in for a clutch issue (their words not hers ) wife took it
in not me , gears difficult to engage , i wasnt about at the time
working away she trusted the mechanic , national company etc , the
car had only covered 20K from new , All it required was a cable
adjustment .

Cutch international who owned them at the time stated the manager
had left the business and the mechanic who worked on the vehicle
and they couldn't find the paperwork , they believed that they were
undertaking work privately and that's the reason they left so were
not prepared to enter into further discussion.

It cost me around £1000 , at the time i couldn't afford to take it
further .







steve robinson

unread,
Jun 29, 2017, 7:29:22 AM6/29/17
to
I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't use refurbished or reworked
units.


Ted

unread,
Jun 29, 2017, 8:22:18 AM6/29/17
to
On 29/06/2017 12:09, steve robinson wrote:
> On Wed, 28 Jun 2017 18:59:17 +0100, Ted <bear...@orange.net> wrote:
>
>> On 28/06/2017 18:55, Chris Whelan wrote:
>>> Ted wrote:
>>>
>>> [...]
>>>
>>>> If a quote is that far away from the original one you'd probably get
>>>> away with telling them to put it back as it was with no charge and
>>>> you'll go elsewhere.
>>>
>>> You really think that would work?
>>>
>>> Chris
>>>
>>
>> I'm pretty sure law covers this and that a quote should give an exact
>> price. Maybe get them to write down the price before they start? I do as
>> I have a shit memory anyway.
>>
>
> A quote only covers the works as requested and documented i.e replace
> clutch additional works like flywheel replacement if it isn't
> included would incur an extra cost . There is no obligation for you
> to have the flywheel changed, however if it fails or the clutch
> fails you may not have a claim against the garage.

I think the point was that Mr Clutch was being accused of changing fly
wheels when there was no need but how would the customer know if it
needed changing? Gotcha by the bollocks time.

Graham J

unread,
Jun 29, 2017, 10:06:27 AM6/29/17
to
Ted wrote:

[snip]

>>>
>>
>> A quote only covers the works as requested and documented i.e replace
>> clutch additional works like flywheel replacement if it isn't
>> included would incur an extra cost . There is no obligation for you
>> to have the flywheel changed, however if it fails or the clutch
>> fails you may not have a claim against the garage.
>
> I think the point was that Mr Clutch was being accused of changing fly
> wheels when there was no need but how would the customer know if it
> needed changing? Gotcha by the bollocks time.
>


The same is potentially true of any supplier. The public generally goes
to a trade supplier for anything they can't do themselves, anything from
fixing the car to selling a house. So the difficulty is how to deal
with the cowboy supplier - anything from a garage business to a lawyer.

The only member of the public who is in any better position is an expert
in the field who chooses to employ somebody rather than do the job
him/her self.

There's no goood answer.

--
Graham J


Dave Plowman (News)

unread,
Jun 29, 2017, 10:38:18 AM6/29/17
to
In article <22p9lcpj2kp4vkddc...@4ax.com>,
steve robinson <st...@colevalleyinteriors.co.uk> wrote:
> >Usual trick used to be to replace the friction plate but charge for a
> >three piece clutch. I daresay it still goes on.


> I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't use refurbished or reworked
> units.

Pretty sure Mr Clutch do (or did) use re-con units. Nothing wrong with
that if properly done - the major clutch makers once did an exchange
service.

I've only used them once many years ago for a Montego. Just fine, and at a
decent price too. I think they may be a franchise so different branches
might well be good or bad.

Thing is with any large organisation, you only really hear the horror
stories. Most can't be bothered to say if the work was OK.

--
*Why do psychics have to ask you for your name? *

Dave Plowman (News)

unread,
Jun 29, 2017, 10:38:18 AM6/29/17
to
In article <oj2r6n$v0r$2...@dont-email.me>,
Ted <bear...@orange.net> wrote:
> > A quote only covers the works as requested and documented i.e replace
> > clutch additional works like flywheel replacement if it isn't
> > included would incur an extra cost . There is no obligation for you
> > to have the flywheel changed, however if it fails or the clutch
> > fails you may not have a claim against the garage.

> I think the point was that Mr Clutch was being accused of changing fly
> wheels when there was no need but how would the customer know if it
> needed changing? Gotcha by the bollocks time.

Think most DMF flywheels need changing along with the clutch. I've no
experience of them myself, but the one on my brother's BMW 3 series very
definitely did.

--
*You're never too old to learn something stupid.

Chris Whelan

unread,
Jun 29, 2017, 11:38:35 AM6/29/17
to
Ted wrote:

[...]

>> A quote only covers the works as requested and documented i.e replace
>> clutch additional works like flywheel replacement if it isn't
>> included would incur an extra cost . There is no obligation for you
>> to have the flywheel changed, however if it fails or the clutch
>> fails you may not have a claim against the garage.
>
> I think the point was that Mr Clutch was being accused of changing fly
> wheels when there was no need but how would the customer know if it
> needed changing? Gotcha by the bollocks time.

I don't want to stick up for 'Mr Clutch', but the usual advice is to replace
the DMF with the clutch. Once the clutch is removed it would be possible to
see that it needed replacement. Suppose they didn't say it needed doing, and
a month later failed? The customer, with little knowledge of such things,
would blame them for not doing it at the time.

It would be fairer of the company to mention DMF replacement might be
needed, and quote for that as well perhaps.

Tim+

unread,
Jun 29, 2017, 12:19:23 PM6/29/17
to
Well getting a quote for clutch AND flywheel beforehand would be a good
start. (In this particular case).

Tim

--
Please don't feed the trolls

Ted

unread,
Jun 29, 2017, 12:38:12 PM6/29/17
to
On 29/06/2017 16:38, Chris Whelan wrote:
> Ted wrote:
>
> [...]
>
>>> A quote only covers the works as requested and documented i.e replace
>>> clutch additional works like flywheel replacement if it isn't
>>> included would incur an extra cost . There is no obligation for you
>>> to have the flywheel changed, however if it fails or the clutch
>>> fails you may not have a claim against the garage.
>>
>> I think the point was that Mr Clutch was being accused of changing fly
>> wheels when there was no need but how would the customer know if it
>> needed changing? Gotcha by the bollocks time.
>
> I don't want to stick up for 'Mr Clutch', but the usual advice is to replace
> the DMF with the clutch. Once the clutch is removed it would be possible to
> see that it needed replacement. Suppose they didn't say it needed doing, and
> a month later failed? The customer, with little knowledge of such things,
> would blame them for not doing it at the time.
>

Years ago with the old 3 piece clutch scam, I asked one guy why he only
changed the friction plate and was told that in most cases a new
friction plate would see the clutch past the 3 months guarentee he gave.

He said that 1 in 10 might come back as faulty UG with the cost for the
imaginary parts going in his sky rocket.

Dave Plowman (News)

unread,
Jun 29, 2017, 1:08:42 PM6/29/17
to
In article <oj3a6g$jn9$1...@dont-email.me>,
Ted <bear...@orange.net> wrote:
> Years ago with the old 3 piece clutch scam, I asked one guy why he only
> changed the friction plate and was told that in most cases a new
> friction plate would see the clutch past the 3 months guarentee he gave.

Much the same as with the flywheel. If the face on the clutch is OK you
might well get away with just a new driven plate.

--
*Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.*

tony sayer

unread,
Jun 29, 2017, 2:57:56 PM6/29/17
to
In article <B9U4B.33892$HS1....@fx12.am4>, Chris Whelan <cawhelan@prej
udicentlworld.com> scribeth thus
Indeed...


https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=44690
--
Tony Sayer



Scott M

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 2:54:12 AM6/30/17
to
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

> Think most DMF flywheels need changing along with the clutch. I've no
> experience of them myself, but the one on my brother's BMW 3 series very
> definitely did.

It's a tough call. There are specs for checking the DMF is in tolerance
(something like: less than X degrees rotational free play) but it's a
tough judgement call as to how long it will last.

However, anyone who actually wears a clutch or DMF out probably deserves
to pay the cost of both - they ought to last the lifetime of the car
these days. My 320d is on 231k miles and still on its original clutch.
In the 104k miles I've had it, I've done loads of towing with it and a
lot of round the houses stuff. I have to keep the car now as I'm just
curious now as to how long it will last[1]!

I also recently changed the clutch in a TD5 Disco on the back of having
to do the spigot bush. No point not doing it as there was no history of
when it was previously done. Turned out the clutch was 7 years old so
probably 60+k on it (03 plate car with 170k on the clock.) I got the
vernier out and measured the friction plate and the wear was negligible
- maybe 1mm, I forget, but less than 1/4 of the usable thickness of the
thing. And this is a 2-tonne car with ridiculous slop in the diffs &
props so the clutch really gets a workout.



[1] If that doesn't tempt fate to be a week Thursday when it starts
slipping, I don't know what will!

Chris Whelan

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 3:30:31 AM6/30/17
to
Scott M wrote:

[...]

> However, anyone who actually wears a clutch or DMF out probably deserves
> to pay the cost of both - they ought to last the lifetime of the car
> these days.

Clutch yes, but early DMF failure is a known issue on many cars. 60k was
about the life of early DMF's.

I've replaced a few clutches for others in my time, but in 53 years I've
never needed one in my own cars.

Dave Plowman (News)

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 4:50:20 AM6/30/17
to
In article <GqOdnQc8r5QMaMjE...@brightview.co.uk>,
Scott M <m...@here.net> wrote:
> However, anyone who actually wears a clutch or DMF out probably deserves
> to pay the cost of both - they ought to last the lifetime of the car
> these days. My 320d is on 231k miles and still on its original clutch.
> In the 104k miles I've had it, I've done loads of towing with it and a
> lot of round the houses stuff. I have to keep the car now as I'm just
> curious now as to how long it will last[1]!

Too broad a statement. My brother has a 330 BMW touring which he tows
with. The gearing is so high, you have no option but to slip the clutch
when manoeuvering the caravan. To the point where it smells. His previous
tow car was a much older 520 with much lower gearing (and a lot less
power) which was far less hard on the clutch.

Of course you could say it's his fault for buying a vehicle not ideal for
towing. But he does far too many miles to stay with an older car.

--
*Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder...

Dave Plowman (News)

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 4:50:20 AM6/30/17
to
In article <p6n5B.72870$h63....@fx34.am4>,
You buy all your cars new?

--
*I went to school to become a wit, only got halfway through.

Chris Whelan

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 5:01:20 AM6/30/17
to
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

[...]

>> I've replaced a few clutches for others in my time, but in 53 years I've
>> never needed one in my own cars.
>
> You buy all your cars new?

Two have been new; one I ran to 100k, the other to 80k.

All the others have been at least two years old when I got them, and I would
guess an average of five years old.

Dave Plowman (News)

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 5:25:58 AM6/30/17
to
In article <yro5B.94505$ZZ2....@fx08.am4>,
Chris Whelan <cawh...@prejudicentlworld.com> wrote:
> Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

> [...]

> >> I've replaced a few clutches for others in my time, but in 53 years
> >> I've never needed one in my own cars.
> >
> > You buy all your cars new?

> Two have been new; one I ran to 100k, the other to 80k.

> All the others have been at least two years old when I got them, and I
> would guess an average of five years old.

Did wonder, because if the clutch was abused before you got the car, it
isn't going to last as long as with one careful driver.

Just about every used car I've ever bought has needed a clutch change.
Although that was a long time ago. I now far prefer an auto, living in
London.

--
*I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be without sponges*

MrCheerful

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 6:01:33 AM6/30/17
to
On 30/06/2017 09:49, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
> In article <GqOdnQc8r5QMaMjE...@brightview.co.uk>,
> Scott M <m...@here.net> wrote:
>> However, anyone who actually wears a clutch or DMF out probably deserves
>> to pay the cost of both - they ought to last the lifetime of the car
>> these days. My 320d is on 231k miles and still on its original clutch.
>> In the 104k miles I've had it, I've done loads of towing with it and a
>> lot of round the houses stuff. I have to keep the car now as I'm just
>> curious now as to how long it will last[1]!
>
> Too broad a statement. My brother has a 330 BMW touring which he tows
> with. The gearing is so high, you have no option but to slip the clutch
> when manoeuvering the caravan. To the point where it smells. His previous
> tow car was a much older 520 with much lower gearing (and a lot less
> power) which was far less hard on the clutch.
>
> Of course you could say it's his fault for buying a vehicle not ideal for
> towing. But he does far too many miles to stay with an older car.
>

My dad had an answer to that problem, if he was towing something
seriously heavy with his MK2 jag, he would dump the clutch and spin the
wheels to get the plot moving, tyres were far cheaper and easier than
replacing the clutch.

Harry Bloomfield

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 6:13:41 AM6/30/17
to
Dave Plowman (News) presented the following explanation :
> Too broad a statement. My brother has a 330 BMW touring which he tows
> with. The gearing is so high, you have no option but to slip the clutch
> when manoeuvering the caravan. To the point where it smells. His previous
> tow car was a much older 520 with much lower gearing (and a lot less
> power) which was far less hard on the clutch.

I now use a mover for all caravan manouvering, mainly to avoid the
massive clutch wear it can sometimes cause. I'm fine reversing into an
opening on the level, to turn the outfit around on main roads, but on
site or once home - I make good use of the mover.

Harry Bloomfield

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 6:15:11 AM6/30/17
to
MrCheerful expressed precisely :
> My dad had an answer to that problem, if he was towing something seriously
> heavy with his MK2 jag, he would dump the clutch and spin the wheels to get
> the plot moving, tyres were far cheaper and easier than replacing the clutch.

That used to work better with RWD, than it does with FWD ;o)

Chris Whelan

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 6:33:10 AM6/30/17
to
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

[...]

> Just about every used car I've ever bought has needed a clutch change.
> Although that was a long time ago. I now far prefer an auto, living in
> London.

Your last three words are probably significant; the vast majority of my
miles have been on rural or suburban roads.

Chris Whelan

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 6:39:26 AM6/30/17
to
MrCheerful wrote:

[...]

> My dad had an answer to that problem, if he was towing something
> seriously heavy with his MK2 jag, he would dump the clutch and spin the
> wheels to get the plot moving, tyres were far cheaper and easier than
> replacing the clutch.

:-)

Certainly easier than replacing the clutch on a Mk 2 Jag!

A friend with a garage business in Bordon, Hants, used to get loads of
oldish Mk 2 Jags in. They were the favoured car for the local squaddies. A
clutch replacement would exceed the value of the car, so he used to cut out
the bulkhead with oxy, drag the gearbox through the cabin like a Herald,
then weld the bulkhead back.

He could do one in under three hours that way.

Dave Plowman (News)

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 9:33:18 AM6/30/17
to
In article <DNp5B.35805$1r.2...@fx13.am4>,
Chris Whelan <cawh...@prejudicentlworld.com> wrote:
> Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

> [...]

> > Just about every used car I've ever bought has needed a clutch change.
> > Although that was a long time ago. I now far prefer an auto, living in
> > London.

> Your last three words are probably significant; the vast majority of my
> miles have been on rural or suburban roads.

That would account for your exceptional clutch life. ;-)
Even an auto gets worn out in London.

--
*You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers

Dave Plowman (News)

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 9:33:18 AM6/30/17
to
In article <%jp5B.88969$Ft7....@fx33.am4>,
MrCheerful <g.odon...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
> My dad had an answer to that problem, if he was towing something
> seriously heavy with his MK2 jag, he would dump the clutch and spin the
> wheels to get the plot moving, tyres were far cheaper and easier than
> replacing the clutch.

Truly excellent idea when manoeuvering a caravan on grass. Nothing like
getting bogged down totally. ;-)

--
*Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.*

MrCheerful

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 9:55:53 AM6/30/17
to
On 30/06/2017 14:31, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
> In article <%jp5B.88969$Ft7....@fx33.am4>,
> MrCheerful <g.odon...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>> My dad had an answer to that problem, if he was towing something
>> seriously heavy with his MK2 jag, he would dump the clutch and spin the
>> wheels to get the plot moving, tyres were far cheaper and easier than
>> replacing the clutch.
>
> Truly excellent idea when manoeuvering a caravan on grass. Nothing like
> getting bogged down totally. ;-)
>

oops, I didn't spot the manouevring bit. A friend has a caravan mover
thing, it is excellent for him and his awkward drive entrance .

Dave Plowman (News)

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 10:17:05 AM6/30/17
to
In article <GLs5B.124193$YI2....@fx47.am4>,
My brother is one of those old school types who won't go for anything new
unless essential. And takes pride in being able to reverse a caravan etc
using the tow car. The high gearing on his car isn't so much of a problem
when towing on the road.

--
*WHAT IF THERE WERE NO HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS?

Chris Whelan

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 11:05:02 AM6/30/17
to
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

> In article <DNp5B.35805$1r.2...@fx13.am4>,
> Chris Whelan <cawh...@prejudicentlworld.com> wrote:
>> Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
>
>> [...]
>
>> > Just about every used car I've ever bought has needed a clutch change.
>> > Although that was a long time ago. I now far prefer an auto, living in
>> > London.
>
>> Your last three words are probably significant; the vast majority of my
>> miles have been on rural or suburban roads.
>
> That would account for your exceptional clutch life. ;-)
> Even an auto gets worn out in London.

Many years ago, my Brother passed his test whilst living in London. He asked
me to find a car for him, with certain criteria, including it mustn't be a
Ford. Apparently, his then girlfriend, now wife, 'always got travel sick in
them'.

I found a really tidy Vauxhall Chevette, which he loved. (I didn't!)

After a couple of months, he told me the clutch was slipping, and he had
limped it to our Parents' house, where I worked on cars. I replaced the
clutch for him, then got him to test-drive it with me in the car. He never
took his foot completely off the pedal the whole time! He insisted he had
been taught to drive like that because of London traffic.

I told him it was his choice, but I was never going to change a clutch for
him again. I then showed him how to drive properly!

AFAIK, he has never needed another clutch, although many of his cars have
been company ones changed after three years.

Steve Walker

unread,
Jun 30, 2017, 5:30:04 PM6/30/17
to
On 30/06/2017 14:32, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
> In article <DNp5B.35805$1r.2...@fx13.am4>,
> Chris Whelan <cawh...@prejudicentlworld.com> wrote:
>> Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
>
>> [...]
>
>>> Just about every used car I've ever bought has needed a clutch change.
>>> Although that was a long time ago. I now far prefer an auto, living in
>>> London.
>
>> Your last three words are probably significant; the vast majority of my
>> miles have been on rural or suburban roads.
>
> That would account for your exceptional clutch life. ;-)
> Even an auto gets worn out in London.

Not as bad here in Manchester, but in 33 years of driving (including a
lot of stop-start, rush-hour driving), I've only ever had to replace one
clutch - and that was within a couple of months of buying a cheap,
ex-driving school car. The Focus I had until last year did have a clutch
replacement, but that was only because the DMF needed replacing at about
140,000 miles and it seemed daft not to do the clutch too.

SteveW
It is loading more messages.
0 new messages