406oc.co.uk

Well, its seems that after 187 thousand miles, the clutch on my Pug is on its way out.
So far its only affecting 5th gear and only when accelerate from 40mph fairly hard. The revs go up as if I've got my foot half depressing the clutch then return to normal a moment later.
So far though, if I accelerate smoothly, its fine.

Tis only a matter of time, question is, how long? Anyone experienced enough to guestimate?

I know this could be a costly repair. But, she's been good to me and I don't think I could find a car just as good for the same value.

Hello Bluey,

My clutch started slipping first in August this year, and although I can 'make' it slip now in 3rd, 4th and 5th it is still useable and I would expect at least another 6 months with careful use.

So, maybe don't panic yet!

I think a clutch 'kit' for yours can be had for around £90.00 and the fitting will probably be £150.00 to £200.00 at a guess?

Maybe buy the clutch kit, then a couple of months later have it fitted?

You've got a good motor there, how does the car feel otherwise, does it still feel like it will carry on like a train for many more miles? If so the clutch repair will still keep you motoring and will cost a lot less than swapping the car.

Welton wrote:Hello Bluey,

My clutch started slipping first in August this year, and although I can 'make' it slip now in 3rd, 4th and 5th it is still useable and I would expect at least another 6 months with careful use.

So, maybe don't panic yet!

I think a clutch 'kit' for yours can be had for around £90.00 and the fitting will probably be £150.00 to £200.00 at a guess?

Maybe buy the clutch kit, then a couple of months later have it fitted?

You've got a good motor there, how does the car feel otherwise, does it still feel like it will carry on like a train for many more miles? If so the clutch repair will still keep you motoring and will cost a lot less than swapping the car.

Well thats somewhat reassuring. I wasn't at the point of panic, just concern.
The exhaust is now sporting the odd hole. Damn stupid cheapo crap! Will never use that garage again!

Otherwise she seems top notch, pulling along like a train as per usual. Just got 4 new tyres (well 2 brand new and 2 with inly 1mm tread worn) and she's handling well. Plenty of guts in the engine and idling steady and below 1000 rpm. No smoke, no smells.

Exhaust and Clutch inc fitting I'm guestimating at close to £500. The question is... will I get as good and reliable car for that kinda cash? I doubt it.
I could very well get a nice run around for £250 but end up pouring more cash into it than I would have done repairing the 406.

Besides, I'm adomant the replacement for Bessy will be another 406! (I've decided to name the car as my dad named his)

Totally depends on your amount of driving and driving style as to how long it'll last. My sister in law had a Renault 19 that had a slipping clutch for 6 months. And then they only scrapped it due to drastic mot failure.


A clutch is like making love to a beautiful woman:
Be gentle and it'll be good to you.

I've already adapted my driving style to account for it

Smooth acceleration from now on.

Bluey, I reckon your car will easily do 200,000 miles with careful oil changes etc........

So, If your clutch costs, say, £500.00 then you will get 13000 miles for that, and most likely another 10000 on top of that, there's not many cars you can get for £500 that'll do 20,000 miles with no other repairs.

Welton wrote:Bluey, I reckon your car will easily do 200,000 miles with careful oil changes etc........

So, If your clutch costs, say, £500.00 then you will get 13000 miles for that, and most likely another 10000 on top of that, there's not many cars you can get for £500 that'll do 20,000 miles with no other repairs.

Precisely my line of thinking
She got a good looking over during the MOT last month. I was told theres no reason she won't pass 200K

Hello i have had the same problem with my car it started doing it at 56k i have just returend from scotland and done 2000 miles in one week and not a problem whatsoever no slip at all so i reckon you will get loads more miles out of her mine didnt slip going up steep gradients even when i caned it in fact my clutch is less likely to slip under heavy loads which is weird but so long as it lasts thats all that matters. However i would be weary if you use mr clutch they apparently fit recon clutches and they wont tell you the make either.

Just to add, I don't think 200k should be seen as anything other than another milestone. My old 406 2.1td had 172,000 and a bit not recorded while the speedo transistor was out of action and it still felt stunning and nowhere near the end of life.

I know it's another manufacturer, but I was in a Passat last month with 425k on the clock. I was talking about it with the driver and he said it was still the original engine, and that's had a taxi life.

The driver was glad to tell me about it, I think it was a change from "busy tonight drive?"

neildavies wrote:Just to add, I don't think 200k should be seen as anything other than another milestone. My old 406 2.1td had 172,000 and a bit not recorded while the speedo transistor was out of action and it still felt stunning and nowhere near the end of life.

I know it's another manufacturer, but I was in a Passat last month with 425k on the clock. I was talking about it with the driver and he said it was still the original engine, and that's had a taxi life.

The driver was glad to tell me about it, I think it was a change from "busy tonight drive?"

Thats a diesel though ;)

Mines a petrol..
I'm sure I'll see Bessy beyond 200K She still feels tight with plenty of guts.

adam03031980 wrote:Hello i have had the same problem with my car it started doing it at 56k i have just returend from scotland and done 2000 miles in one week and not a problem whatsoever no slip at all so i reckon you will get loads more miles out of her mine didnt slip going up steep gradients even when i caned it in fact my clutch is less likely to slip under heavy loads which is weird but so long as it lasts thats all that matters. However i would be weary if you use mr clutch they apparently fit recon clutches and they wont tell you the make either.

I'm gonna buy all the parts myself and get them fitted.

I've found a pit I can use, so I'm gonna check the gear box oil. Perhaps theres little left ansd the clutch is just sticking.
Either way, it'll get a top up with fresh oil till the change.