Hi all, 

 

I aplogise if this has been asked before. A few weeks ago, my 2007 Octavia's (2.0 Diesel) clutch hit the floor and didn't return back. Local garages and the AA said that either the Master or Slave cyclinder has gone. 

 

It wasn't the master as there was no leaks we could find anywhere.

 

I know that the cost of replacing the slave is costly, only because you may as well replace the clutch and dual mass flywheel at the same time.

 

I spoke with my local garage (someone I've used for a while) at the time and he said that he will replace the clutch and slave and not the DMF to save money. So the job was done and the car is back on the road. 

 

2,000 miles (and 4 months) later, and now the car requires a full service (light appears on dash) and just noticed all 4 wheels are running very low, as well as the brake pads and disc require changing.

 

So my question to this post is whilst I get the above work done, should I be changing the dmf at the same time. I know this will shoot up the cost by about another £800. How long do the dmf last - my octy has 141k miles. There are no signs at the moment that dmf is on its way out - i.e. doesnt sound like a bag of spanners and clutch is not rising or the engine revs any different.

Is it advisable to change the dmf now and spend the extra £800 or will the car last to approx 180k without changing the dmf.

 

Thanks in advance for any replies.
 

1 hour ago, jakk said:

 

I spoke with my local garage (someone I've used for a while) at the time and he said that he will replace the clutch and slave and not the DMF to save money. So the job was done and the car is back on the road. 

 

2,000 miles (and 4 months) later, and now the car requires a full service (light appears on dash) and just noticed all 4 wheels are running very low, as well as the brake pads and disc require changing.

 

So my question to this post is whilst I get the above work done, should I be changing the dmf at the same time. .

 

If you were going to do the dmf, the time was when the clutch was done. You'd have to decouple the transmission now again so no point doing it unless there is a problem, vibration as taking up drive, rattles at idle etc.

 

The other items just all sound like regular maintenance items but they do add up when they hit at once. If you keep your eye on things you can sometimes try to spread them out a little more.

Edited 23 April, 20179 yr by TheClient

As TheClient says, the DMF should of been changed when the clutch and slave cylinder was done as this would of saved much of the labour costs. If it's not showing any signs of trouble at the moment then leave it well alone, it may last just another 10k miles or it may do another 100k miles.

As they used to shout at car factory union meetings

 

one out, all out

 

change clutch, flywheel and CSC as is all are FUBAR cos whatever you dont change is sure to fail soon, and do the starter too...it fills with swarf off a DMF..

141 000 Miles is very good going for a DMF

Have you had the car from new? can you be sure it has not been replaced already?

Even possible that it has had as SMF conversion in the past - Would have thought garage that did slave cylinder would mention this but still might be worth checking.

Hi All,

 

Thanks for your responses. You are all right that I should have done the DMF at the same time as clutch & Slave - which is what the garage did advise - as money was tight at the time, the garage mentioned the option of doing just the clutch and slave to get the car back on the road (which was a third of the cost) then possibly get rid of the car as costs will start to mount up at a later date.

 

I bought the car with 60k on it 5 years ago, and I did the cam belt at 80k, so I know the dmf has not been changed at all. If I am now playing "russian roulette" as Ju1ian1001 says - ie DMF could go any minute or could do another 100k, then it sound like I'm better get rid and get another Octy.

 

Thank You all for your responses.

I dont necessarily agree with your interpretation. Depends what you are replacing with age, mileage and harder to ascertain - the driving style of the vehicle's previous owners.

 

You can have problems with dmf at a fairly early age and accross a lot of marques. It is a guessing game really.  Hard to make it completely scientific. But if you are replacing with another reasonably used vehicle there is no guarantee to escape failure items and often you inherit outstanding maintenance items.

 

Second hand cars are always a bit of an unknown. Why was it traded etc etc. Buying from a reputable dealer gives a bit more comeback than privately...

17 hours ago, jakk said:

DMF could go any minute or could do another 100k, then it sound like I'm better get rid and get another Octy.

 

Sorry chief.............but that makes no sense whatsoever - unless you know your flywheel is on it's way out?????

 

If no issues with it then do not worry. Sort your other bits in time and carry on enjoying your car...........

 

Different matter if you want to swap vehicle of course.......

Thanks Tilt and TheClient for your verdict on what I should do - I will keep it, and get the work done - I do have one further bit of advice - if I can be cheeky.

 

The cam belt was done at 80k, and my octy has 141k on the clock now. I don't do as many miles nowadays - only approx 6-7k a year. Would you advise I change the cam belt now or wait a couple of years and wait till I get to around 160-170k miles.

 

Thanks again for the advice given by everyone.

Jay.

I'm not sure I've ever been so convincing! I don't want to decide for you and I don't want to talk you in or out of anything just for the sake of it.

 

I was just trying to spell out that even buying a newer used vehicle doesn't guarantee you will avoid the same issues you trying to navigate around. Especially depending on budget / age / model history etc. etc.  A newer vehicle may have other benefits. And if purchased from a reputable dealer, probably offers some comeback for a period of time so you make your choices.

 

I believe the timing belt change interval was 4 years / 80k, so on face of it you could run to 160k, but you maybe past the 4 years, even the later revised limit on later model cars was only 5 years time duration AFAIR. 

Hi TheClient, no worries, I would never hold you - or anyone - to me making the final decision on buying/selling a car. After all the money is mine and therefore I am the one making the final decision - so no worries on that front. I was just wondering the path I should take, and wanted some reassurance on what all your responses were. You are all right in that there is no guarantee that buying a used car will give reliability. From everything that has been said, I think I will get this car fixed up and maintain it properly - now that I'm back on my feet again.

 

So thank you all for the advice given.

Jay.