QuestionI have a newly-acquired 1994 Land Rover Discovery. I am having a problem with the clutch which seems to be going out. Between yesterday and today, stepping on the clutch pedal made a grinding noise sometimes, and now it feels like the cable has broken, although no snap heard. Is there a cable in this particular vehicle which can be replaced? How difficult of a chore is this? You can tell I am not very mechanically knowledgeable, but I'd like to know what kind of repair job I am facing before I search out a mechanic to make the repairs. Any information you can provide would be very much appreciated.
AnswerHi Lynda,
it sounds like either your slave clutch or the clutch itself has finally failed. As you press down on your clutch pedal, the slave clutch is engaged and hydraulic fluid is used to move the clutch. If the slave clutch fails, usually the pedal will press down but there is no pressure generated.
A slave clutch is about $500 (labour included).
If its the actual clutch, then you are looking at $2000 to $2500 (labour included).
The grinding noise bothers me...could be the clutch itself had worn down to the rivets. A mechanic would have to lower the transmission to see this...and if he's already lowering the transmission on a 1994 Disco, you should be prepared to have the clutch replace while the tranny is down. If it has high mileage...you might as well do it.
A good mechanic can test if its the slave or the clutch. He'll inspect the slave and see if its working. If it is, he'll have to move on to the clutch.
Most general mechanics can do this kind of work. Get estimates of all scenarios before you begin, to avoid any surprises.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
