Clutch

[Unicornasaurus]

Just wondering if anyone knows the approximate price of a clutch for a 91 Festiva? I think mine is starting to slip and just wanted to get a rough estimate of how much I'm looking to dish out to get it done. I'm not mechanically savvy, so if anyone also knows approximately how much it would cost to get one installed..that would also be super

[Glease]

Are you sure the clutch is starting to slip? It may just need an adjustment.

Well, saying you buy a clutch kit:

https://www.rockauto.com

ACDELCO Part # 381051
PLATE KIT,CLU PRESS & DRVN(W/CVR) [US vehicles]; DIAPHRAGM; 7 1/8X18TX3/4

$121.79

They even have a Beck and Arnley clutch kit for $67.00 (you'll have to be on a REAL budget if you get that one though, lol)

I have never had one installed in a shop, it really depends on the shop. They will usually give you a free estimate.

[Unicornasaurus]

It's hard to tell. I'll try to adjust it and see how it works from there. It's weird, because the only time it *seems* to be slipping is going from 2nd to 3rd. Coming off the line I can still spin the tires in first, and shifting to 2nd still seems to be fine. I'm hoping all it needs is an adjustment. I don't have the time or the money at the moment to get my daily driver fixed.

[Glease]

Is it slippage, or grinding? If its just grinding between 2nd and 3rd, it sounds much much more like a synchro.

If you can spin the tires good, your clutch should not be slipping just shifting gears. Breaking the tires of traction at high RPMs puts much more load on the clutch than shifting.

[scitzz]

If you do have to replace, shop around. Not mechanically savvy? Can you do a tune up, change the oil, and so forth? Do you have some tools? If so, with a couple days, some good moral support close to hand, and the support of this fine community, you just may be able to DIY, even better, a haynes manual!

[Festiva_tunner]

I know when I had my clutch replaced back when I bought the car I took it to a shop because I didnt have the time to work on it - or a cherry picker at the time. the bill was about 500 said and done.

[Glease]

I completely agree. I would go for it. The haynes manual goes over it very well, pick one up.

You could have it done in a weekend, and everyone here is very quick to answer any questions. Better yet, see if theres anyone on here that lives in your area, it should only cost a case of beer to have them help you out

Even if its a synchro and you swap out trannys, just as much work, pretty much the same job.

[scitzz]

I know when I had my clutch replaced back when I bought the car I took it to a shop because I didnt have the time to work on it - or a cherry picker at the time. the bill was about 500 said and done.

No cherry picker needed, my son could pick up a festy tranny........When he was 6 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Me, I can do a festy tranny in less than 90 mins, first beer to cleanup

[GenevaDirt]

Is it slippage, or grinding? If its just grinding between 2nd and 3rd, it sounds much much more like a synchro.

If you can spin the tires good, your clutch should not be slipping just shifting gears. Breaking the tires of traction at high RPMs puts much more load on the clutch than shifting.

I had a similar problem , I could spin the tires no problem...shifting from 1st to 2nd was no problem...and 2nd to 3rd was ok. But if I was still getting on it a little or a lot when I was shifting to 4th or 5th....I could let the clutch all the way out and it would slip pretty good....if I was just shifting and driving normally....all was fine. I tried adjusting it but it did not help. I drove it like that for almost 5 years...was just used to it. I finally decided to replace the clutch and man what a differance. Even though I was able to spin the tires and such....I think it may have been slipping slightly all the time under acceleration.....because after the new clutch there was a major increase in power and tire spin....when wanted....lol.
And replacing it is really a simple task. With a good book...Haynes manual, and this site....you should have no problems....save the money for something else.

[Unicornasaurus]

I adjusted it today and it made quite a big difference. It still slips a bit, but not nearly as much as before. I also sprayed some WD40 into my gas pedal cable and it smoothed right up (It was very stiff before). Took me a short while getting used to not putting so much pressure on the gas pedal when I needed to accelerate.

[Glease]

Is it slippage, or grinding? If its just grinding between 2nd and 3rd, it sounds much much more like a synchro.

If you can spin the tires good, your clutch should not be slipping just shifting gears. Breaking the tires of traction at high RPMs puts much more load on the clutch than shifting.

I had a similar problem , I could spin the tires no problem...shifting from 1st to 2nd was no problem...and 2nd to 3rd was ok. But if I was still getting on it a little or a lot when I was shifting to 4th or 5th....I could let the clutch all the way out and it would slip pretty good....if I was just shifting and driving normally....all was fine. I tried adjusting it but it did not help. I drove it like that for almost 5 years...was just used to it. I finally decided to replace the clutch and man what a differance. Even though I was able to spin the tires and such....I think it may have been slipping slightly all the time under acceleration.....because after the new clutch there was a major increase in power and tire spin....when wanted....lol.
And replacing it is really a simple task. With a good book...Haynes manual, and this site....you should have no problems....save the money for something else.

Hmm, thats interesting. I have never really had one go out that way. Looks like its the clutch then. You can do it man, piece of cake.

[SIBladerunner]

expect about $80 for the clutch kit, then just find urself a cheap mechanic, i would say about $300 or more to install it, depends on the shop and how much time it'll take to install it

[scottxd45]

Clutch replacement pays 6.6 hours so find out the shops labor rate, multiply by 6.6, add parts cost, and you have a rough estimate of what they will charge.

[scitzz]

Clutch replacement pays 6.6 hours so find out the shops labor rate, multiply by 6.6, add parts cost, and you have a rough estimate of what they will charge.

Lord, what I could overbook on that

[scottxd45]

Clutch replacement pays 6.6 hours so find out the shops labor rate, multiply by 6.6, add parts cost, and you have a rough estimate of what they will charge.

Lord, what I could overbook on that

That's what I was thinking. I've never replaced a Festiva trans but just by looking at it it couldn't take more than an hour. Especially using a lift in a shop. Even a warranty job paid like 4 something.