Not quite 175K

Clutch has finally died, 174926 miles and 20 years (96 300 Def). The centre plate rivets have started to fail so the inner is rattling and one and one spring has snapped. Glad to say the old girl got us home but looking at the state of the plate it only had a handful of gearchanges left before total failure! Plate that came out was date stamped 96 and I have all the history since 2000 so I know it is the original. Actual friction material thickness is 8.4mm compared to 9.3mm for a new one (both valeo). Anyone beat this mileage for an original clutch?

I can't beat that mileage for a complete vehicle let alone a clutch

Could you see what make the friction plate was?

Wow, that' some going an shows how things can last if not abused

That's impressive. Must be a good all rounder really if still on its original clutch it hasn't had a hard life

lynall said:

Could you see what make the friction plate was?

Click to expand...

It was a Valeo, more than happy with how long it lasted hence same replacement.

Littelwill said:

That's impressive. Must be a good all rounder really if still on its original clutch it hasn't had a hard life

Click to expand...

Yep its not too bad at all, that said I try and keep on top of everything maintenance wise. When I removed the seatbox to do it the ends were starting to corrode so I'll be replacing them.

Kwakerman said:

It was a Valeo, more than happy with how long it lasted hence same replacement.

Click to expand...

Good to know thank you

Congrats on your high mileage, could it possibly be a great reflection on your driving?

lynall said:

Good to know thank you

Click to expand...

I'll take a couple of pictures of the old one tomorrow and post them, if it wasn't for the rivets failing I think the actual friction material would have lasted many more miles. Flywheel was nice and clean and smooth, the pressure plate looked good, no cracks in the release lever but the release bearing does sound a little bit loose/rough when spun. I took the transfer box off before pulling the main and all the splines look to be in mint condition so overall I'm happy with the condition of the gearboxes (also treated them to an early oil change).

Alan Crossley said:

Congrats on your high mileage, could it possibly be a great reflection on your driving?

Click to expand...

Possibly, but it also reflects on the previous owner as well. I did take a while to find the right vehicle in good condition and with service history and it looks like it paid off!