Clutch issue, no disengagement

[Kirsch95MTX]

I just bought a 95 MTX with a clutch issue. Basically it seems the clutch wont disengage. Pedal feel is good but you can only shift if you let the rpms drop enough to slide in and catch the syncros just right. If you try to shift like normal the gears will just grind and you cant get into gear. Once in gear the car drives fine. Nothing slips and it doesnt jump out of gear or anything. The PO said that the owner before him had the clutch replaced before he bought it which was only 7kmi ago but did not replace the throwout bearing. Could this just be the throw out bearing? Im ready to put a whole new clutch in it if i have to but if i can get away with just a throwout bearing thatd be nice.

Also on the topic, how much should i expect to pay in labor for a clutch job? and what brand would be good as a stock replacement? I see sachs kits all over for around 250 or phoenix friction for about 220. Are those worth a crap? Ive looked around for info on the forum, im just asking for some opinions. Thanks

 

[DJSHO91]

It sounds like your clutch is gone. Mine did the same thing and two of the fingers had broken off of the pressure plate.

If your car is just used on the street then most of the kits will work well for you. If you do any major power upgrades, or race/autocross your vehicle, then you need a heavier duty set-up. I know RCM and SHOsource both offer a wide range of kits to meet most needs. I have found that some of the jobber kits(Auto-zone, NAPA and such) can be problematic, especially in the area of the pressure-plate.

 

[Kirsch95MTX]

Thanks, I actually just found a Luk clutch kit for $232 shipped.