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MG MGF Technical - clutch failure

What next,
After HGF and Hydragas suspension failure in 2002 it now looks like the clutch has failed. Has anyone replaced the clutch on a 97 VVC and if so how difficult was the job and does anyone have any technical information on the recommended replacement procedure.
Graham

IIRC it's a big job, droping of engine/rear subframe required.
Kingsley

Thanks Kingsley. Thats not the sort of news I wanted to hear. Graham
Graham

Hi Graham, nice you found this place :)
Didn't know you are so far away. (RE: DE Forum post)

>droping of engine/rear subframe required.

IIRC as well.
You would need a Hydragas pump to re-fill the suspension system and also you will need to drain and re-fill the coolant.
And most difficult is IMO to get hands on the required car jack equipment to get the subframe down and back without any damage.

Is this right ?

Dieter
Dieter K.

yes, all this is correct. Clutch, hydragas, coolant, drop engine. Big deal. My recent 97 MPi clutch replacement, along with a minor service, came to around $NZ1,300. Clutch was about $NZ480 for the parts alone, and about a days worth of labour costs. Not something to be done yourself unless you know what you are doing, IMHO.

Cheers, Neil
Neil Courtney

Thanks for the information Dieter, Kingsley and Neil. I have found that doing the previous work (HGF and Hydragas) not too bad provided you have all the gear. The main problem I had with the Hydragas is that there is only one company in Canberra with the equipment to recharge the suspension. I did the job myself and sent the car to them to recharge the suspension and set the ride heights. They charged me $550 (Aus) to do it. Very frustrating when you are aware of how much is involved but cannot get the work done at a reasonable rate due to monopolies. I am prepared to undertake the clutch work myself as I am not in a hurry (MGF is second car),however, the requirement for special equipment could bring that plan undone.
Thanks guys
Graham West
Graham West

Hi Graham,
if You do all these jobs yourself and obviously have the DIY capabillity - why donīt make a simple Hydragas pump as well ? "How to do it" is on Dieterīs excellent Tech Site. Also fellow F-erīs in the area would be delighted to have somewhere to get their systems pumped up / adjusted for a nominal fee ;)

PS, take away the inlet resonator box and have another look at the space avaible between the gearbox end and wheelarch /subframe parts. Enough for a clutch-change? I would guess so....

BR, Carl.
Carl Blom

Hi Carl.
Thats a good thought. I will have a look at the available space once the resonator box is removed. I will also have a look at Dieters Hydragas pump too. No doubt I will need it again one day.
Thanks
Graham
Graham West

This thread was discussed between 09/04/2003 and 11/04/2003

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