993 Heavy Clutch and Notchy Gear Change

Guest · Jan 30, 2007

I have a 993 Targa 1996 which I bought in December 2006. I love the car but the gear change is driving me mad. First to second is very notchy. Second to third feels like it could damage the gearbox as it selects more times the not with the feeling of a clonk (not sound of). When I come down the box I need to double declutch to get smoothness below fourth gear. The gearbox action itself feels smooth especially when you do get the revs and the change in unison. There is no rumble, noise or feeling of gravel from the box. It is a bit like driving a car when you cannot disengage the clutch.

The car has done 64,000 miles and has full OPC with the last 20,000 mile service performed only last month. The full history shows no signs of a clutch change however their seems to be plenty of live in the clutch itself although I am no expert. It certainly is not slipping even if you power in a high gear at low revs and speed.

The clutch action does feel heavy however I am comparing this to a 3 series. You need to put the cluch to the floor for what little effect you do get.

Obviously I need to get this sorted out but does anyone have a clue if it is likely to be the clutch or the hydraulics. Should I get the hydraulics sorted first or will a qualified mechanic know immediately what to change or fettle first?

I am in Surrey and could also do with advice on a good specialist near to me as an OPC is likely to be expensive for this sort of problem I am guessing.

Many thanks

968er · Jan 31, 2007

Would say that your clutch is on its way out.

John Maddox · Jan 31, 2007

My clutch was heavy, and like you, I had problems soon after I purchased it. My OPC replaced the clutch and release bearing and it is now light and transformed the car. It cost me £1800 however!!

My gearbox was ok but the problem you describe could well be clutch drag where it is not disengaging properly and hence putting strain on the syncromesh when changing gear.

If the targa's have a hydraulic actuated clutch like mine I would get the hydraulics checked out first and feel it is unlikely to be the gearbox from what you say.

jboult · Jan 31, 2007

Better mechanical heads than mine will probably be able to point you in the right direction. However, if you're anywhere near Godalming then Camtune are an excellent specialist - not the cheapest but they do a very good job.

Just FYI, I bought my '96 Targe last year, and had some problems with selecting 2nd and 3rd from cold, particularly at low revs (sometimes felt a little notchy); new gear box oil cured most of it. Still not as smooth as I'd like but from reading the forums it seems quite common.

I also had the fairly standard 'non-returning' clutch, which when hot would stay down after being depressed. A new clutch slave cylinder fixed that perfectly (and incidentally improved the gear change as well - perhaps re-pressurising the hydraulics helped with that). Might be worth getting this all checked out first as it's a lot cheaper than a new clutch...

Cheers/John

RichardLW · Jan 31, 2007

Clutches on these cars are much heavier than more main stream models and most cars will want the pedal down to the floor to change gear. Try changing gear more slowly and don't try to force the gear lever. In the lower gears, I always, subconsciously, count to 3 during a change as that is about the time it takes.

Camtune will be able to help and are good on these cars and a fair bit cheaper than OPCs.

pse_SC · Jan 31, 2007

Would say that your clutch is on its way out.

So would I. But possibly try the oil change first, as this doesn't involve taking things apart!

Guest · Jan 31, 2007

I can't believe the response you guys are excellent. I called Camtune and explained the problem. They suggested that the clutch was dragging and that 50,000 was pretty much it for a clutch in a 993 anything else would be a bonus.

I have booked the car in and will get them to change the clutch and slave cylinder and change the gearbox oil this way I won't ever know what was wrong but will be less depressed than if I found out it was just hydraulics. At 64K I am on borrowed time in any case. I will post how I got on.

Guest · Feb 1, 2007

I suppose the way I am am looking at it is that 64K would be universally regarded as a reasonable amount of mileage for clutch. Therefore the next clutch will last a similar time and I will keep the car for a number of years therefore I may as well get as much value out of the expense as possible.

Too often you hear "I will get that done before I sell it". If you have to spend the money at some point soon you may as well be the beneficiary.