Avensis Clutch

[afansmum]

I have an Avensis 2.0D T3-X5DR, 2003, 90 odd thousand on the clock.

Last Friday I got stuck at traffic lights when I couldn't get car back into gear. Turned out it was the clutch pedal stuck down at floor level. I was rescued by a knight in shining armour with blue and red flashing lights, who got the car moving for me. Managed to drive 25 miles home no problem. Clutch pedal is stiff and squeaky.

Took car to local garage. I had a phone call later - I probably need a new clutch. Cost quoted includes about £800 for a dual mass flywheel, clutch takes price to £1064 and with labour £155, making a total of £1219. VAT included or maybe not VAT registered (?)

Being a cynical type, I'm wondering how genuine this problem is - or am I being ripped off?

Any suggestions please for this damsel in distress?

Many thanks

Afansmum

[t-spiritpete]

I have an Avensis 2.0D T3-X5DR, 2003, 90 odd thousand on the clock.

Last Friday I got stuck at traffic lights when I couldn't get car back into gear. Turned out it was the clutch pedal stuck down at floor level. I was rescued by a knight in shining armour with blue and red flashing lights, who got the car moving for me. Managed to drive 25 miles home no problem. Clutch pedal is stiff and squeaky.

Took car to local garage. I had a phone call later - I probably need a new clutch. Cost quoted includes about £800 for a dual mass flywheel, clutch takes price to £1064 and with labour £155, making a total of £1219. VAT included or maybe not VAT registered (?)

Being a cynical type, I'm wondering how genuine this problem is - or am I being ripped off?

Any suggestions please for this damsel in distress?

Many thanks

Afansmum

Hi there, I would suggest you try another garage because I think the part which operates the clutch called the "master cylinder" may be seizing up, this has been a problem on the Avensis ( maybe not to the same degree as yours). If the hydraulic fluid has never been changed the fluid takes on water from the air by its nature over time so then this water can turn to ice during this bad weather causing the problem you describe. I may be wrong but go for a second opinion because a simple change of hydraulic clutch fluid may only cost you a few pounds, changing the master cylinder will cost more like around £100 to £150 but a darn site cheaper that a clutch that you may not need!.

Best regards .... Pete.

[bestseany]

£1200 sounds a lot for a DMF and clutch change.

I'd expect to pay £800 all in personally so it may be worth getting a second opinion from another garage.

Was there any sort of rattling noise from the engine? Like a load of bolts in a washing machine, as that is a common sign of a failing DMF.

[afansmum]

Many thanks for your replies.

I've looked for the cost of new Toyota dual mass flywheels on the internet, seems to be between £800 and £1000. I also checked on 2nd hand parts and I've been inundated with text and email replies with DMF costing between £100 and £450 inc VAT and postage, but I'm not convinced they are genuine Toyota parts and the average guarantee is for only 30 days whilst my garage is providing a 12 month guarantee.

No, I haven't noticed any engine noise like one of you asked about. Have been told by several people (there are a lot of experts in my village!) and my garage that the flywheel should be changed at the same time as the clutch as if it goes in the future it ruins the gearbox.

So i'm possibly going for the garage solution, I think. Use the credit card and anything for a quiet life!

How about a Corolla next?? Thanks for your suggestions, I appreciate it.

[t-spiritpete]

Many thanks for your replies.

I've looked for the cost of new Toyota dual mass flywheels on the internet, seems to be between £800 and £1000. I also checked on 2nd hand parts and I've been inundated with text and email replies with DMF costing between £100 and £450 inc VAT and postage, but I'm not convinced they are genuine Toyota parts and the average guarantee is for only 30 days whilst my garage is providing a 12 month guarantee.

No, I haven't noticed any engine noise like one of you asked about. Have been told by several people (there are a lot of experts in my village!) and my garage that the flywheel should be changed at the same time as the clutch as if it goes in the future it ruins the gearbox.

So i'm possibly going for the garage solution, I think. Use the credit card and anything for a quiet life!

How about a Corolla next?? Thanks for your suggestions, I appreciate it.

So did you not bother asking them about the possible master cylinder problem then?