SMF Clutch replacement questions.

Octavia II 1.9 Tdi Manual

I know there are already a few DMF/SMF threads on the go, but two slightly different questions here.

1. I am aware of a Valeo SMF conversion and also that Skoda dealers do an SMF conversion – Are they one and the same?
   

Next question may have alternative answers if the Skoda and Valeo kits are different parts.

1. What do you do when you need a replacement clutch for your SMF converted car? Are release bearings, friction plate, pressure plates available without buying another complete conversion kit?
   

The issue of replacing the clutch should be a long way down the line, as despite running old cars up to high miles, I haven't had to replace a clutch in 30 years. It would however be foolish to write off the possibility of ever needing a new clutch.

Thank you

I don,t think they are the same but i could be wrong.Think the flywheel wouldn,t be the same either.Don,t think Skoda would use Valeo.

The clutch kits are seperate items from the flywheel and avaliable seperately eg:cover,plate & bearing.

Maybe Mike might be able to shed some light on the first question for you.

All i know is that Skoda replaced/converted mine under warranty as directed by SUK.

Hope this helps you

SMF Clutch replacement questions.

Octavia II 1.9 Tdi Manual

I know there are already a few DMF/SMF threads on the go, but two slightly different questions here.

1. I am aware of a Valeo SMF conversion and also that Skoda dealers do an SMF conversion – Are they one and the same?
   

Next question may have alternative answers if the Skoda and Valeo kits are different parts.

1. What do you do when you need a replacement clutch for your SMF converted car? Are release bearings, friction plate, pressure plates available without buying another complete conversion kit?
   

The issue of replacing the clutch should be a long way down the line, as despite running old cars up to high miles, I haven't had to replace a clutch in 30 years. It would however be foolish to write off the possibility of ever needing a new clutch.

Thank you

Hi,

Bit of a supplementary here.

Asked local (Non- Skoda) garage about SMF conversions.

They were very familiar with the conversion and said most of the local Octavia taxis (as with most places I know there are plenty of them) had been done - No surprise there then.

Only surprise was that they said they used the LuK conversion as it was better than the Valeo one.

I had not considered LuK as I thought they were sticking to the 'don't convert to SMF, you will destroy your crankshaft and gearbox' line.

So any experience of the LuK SMF conversion out there?

Thank you

I had not considered LuK as I thought they were sticking to the 'don't convert to SMF, you will destroy your crankshaft and gearbox' line.

Yet again these are all false statements.All of us on here who have had them done are totally satisfied and have covered many 1000 miles with no problems.No one yet has come up with this problem and are highly unlikely too either.

Of what I know, Skoda usually prefers SACHS and then LuK when it comes to replacements. In fact, the OEM kits in these Cars are SACHS if I'm not wrong.

As for picking up individual parts of a Kit, there are many out there, especially on eBay, just be careful in picking up the right fit and match.

I got my Octy II 1.9 TDi converted to a SMF SACHS and now I feel the Car is better in initial pick-up (slightly reduced lag). However, the down side is there is a slight noticeable "sound" while the car is in Neutral, clatter basically, but all in all, it was worth the conversion.

Yet again these are all false statements.All of us on here who have had them done are totally satisfied and have covered many 1000 miles with no problems.No one yet has come up with this problem and are highly unlikely too either.

Yes I am also convinced of the general principle of replacing a DMF with a SMF.

I am prepared to ignore the tales of woe regarding SMFs

If in surveying internet posts on the topic you only consider first hand consumer experience (discount all stories from people who have heard of people who ...) the balance moves more strongly towards SMF being a good idea.

So taking SMF being a good idea as a given, I am still interested to know if there are any SMF kits out there which are highly recommended or alternatively best avoided.

Having made the mistake of buying a DMF equipped car, I don't want to then get the wrong SMF as a replacement. Octavia is a 1.9 TDI.

Thanks all

Edited 27 March, 201214 yr by Octy0GG

Best speaking to these guys

http://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/transmission/

I picked up mine on eBay about 4 Months back (Nov-2011) from here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250873258918&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:GB:1123

The Kit basically is a original SACHS Clutch+Bearing+Pressure_Plate and the Flywheel is a locally made quality SMF. It was a perfect fit in my Octy II1.9 PD TDi with BJB Engine code.

I had been watching this Item since quiete long (1-2 months) before picking it up as it would be ON and OFF Discount regularly. And when I found it on discount at that time, it was off flat 30% which translated into a saving of almost £110. I could not ask for more and instantly picked it up at a price of £259 (+69 for Shipping). Currently, I don't see the discount on it, however, if interested, you may want to offer them a discounted price. If possible, talk to one Mr. John, a genuine character and knowledgeable in what he's dealing with, who would me more than glad to answer all your queries related to the kit.