Catastrophic failure - Manual SV6 Clutch/Slave Cylinder

[Exfridare]

Hey guys

First post - I've had a bit of a search, can't find any relevant threads.

My manual SV6 MY08 has died, essentially I can't put it in gear. The car is under 3 years and only has 40,001 on the clock (yep, I was broken down on the side of the road wondering if it was the extra km that killed it...).

It happened fairly suddenly, very stiff/heavy clutch pedal, felt like it was just dumping the gears, then couldn't get it in gear during a shift (happened while I was under full throttle over taking), then finally lost all power while it was in gear, to the point where it had to be winched onto a tow truck.

This happened over the space of about 15 mins, I haven't had any problems with the vehicle until then - allow the last 2 times I'd driven it on the highway the cruise control kept going inactive. Possibly because the clutch was engaging?

It's at a Holden Dealership. I'm told its likely the clutch slave cylinder. This would be covered by warranty. A bit of a Google tell's me a seized piston could be the cause of my troubles.

However, it could also be the clutch and the slave (this will cost me $1,800 for the parts) or just the clutch (this will cost me $2,300 for the parts and labour).

Now is it just me - or do those prices sound a bit expensive and BS for a car that's only done 40,001km? It can't really be called wear and tear and not covered by warranty if a clutch gives out at that point.

The mechanic should give me a call today/tomorrow - and I like to be able to make the point that Holden should pony up and cover it all under warranty. Especially as I almost had a head on because of it! :/

I'm not having a good run with this car, someone also keyed it a month ago.

Thoughts?

Cheers

Matt

[CSP]

Regardless of the problem, there should be no cost to you as it's all under warranty. Unless there's obvious signs of abuse of course. I wouldn't worry about anything except the inconvenience of being without a car while yours is fixed.

[Exfridare]

I don't think the clutch is covered under warranty... Can't find it online and my owner's manual is handily located in my glove box :S

[Haluigi]

Yeah one if the sons of the bloke I work with has an sv6 and he wore through his clutch in 20,000ks. Admittedly driven fairly hard but Holden wouldn't cover it under warranty.

[tomholzy]

if its the clutch worn/slipped then it wont be covered, but if its the slave cylinder then I would expect it to be covered

[TinSnips]

I've had 3 clutches under warranty in mine. Wasn't due to wear, was due to mechanical fault. I don't think you'll have a problem with claiming it.

[Reaper]

Clutches are a difficult one for manufacturers as a klutz driver can burn them out in 15,000 km whilst others can get 200,000 out of one no sweat. I'd suggest that if they are worn you will struggle for warranty but for a manufacturing defect being the cause it should be straight forward. As for the original poster, it'd be unusual for a slave cyl to go but it's an easy fix if that's the problem.

Reaper

[pjdm1980]

Holden V8 clutches are rubbish anyway so just get them to replace it under warranty or if they won't then get a heavy duty replacement.

[Calaber]

I'd say that it's not difficult to identify an abused clutch.. If the linings are worn out after only 40k, you'll have a hard time convincing the dealer that you haven't been flogging the car, but if the linings seem to be worn to the extent you would normally expect after that distance, I reckon they will come to the party under your warranty.

[Exfridare]

Thanks for the comments guys.

Update: The clutch was cooked but Holden are going to cover it all under warranty. Pretty stoked about that. I should have the car back by Saturday. Many thanks to Moss Vale Holden for the excellent service and repair job!

[Reaper]

Holden V8 clutches are rubbish anyway so just get them to replace it under warranty or if they won't then get a heavy duty replacement.

ORLY??? I found my VYII clutch excellent under no end of abuse. My E3 so far has had no problems either.

Reaper