Help: Clutch stiction at the pedal
 

Hi, I just bought a 2001 Boxster-S with 50K miles on it. I notice that the pedal has a lot of stiction. There is stiction while pushing down on the pedal and even the release is not smooth. This is true of the car with the engine off too. The engagement point is not right at the top but about 1/4 or 1/3 down. My Cayman and even my Dodge truck is smoother. I had the oil changed and car generally checked out at a local non-dealer Porsche shop with good feedback from some other Porsche guys I know.

The shop told me that the clutch was 80% used and it can happen with worn out or close to worn out clutches. I didn't want to be rude and am still learning about Porsche so I didn't what to confront him on this but it doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I did pay for a diagnosis of the car though.

I expect the engagement point to be close to the top of a worn clutch. I also expect the pedal action light and smooth or heavy with stiction to not depend on the actual clutch wear. If anything it should make depressing the pedal easier as usually there's less preload on the clutch springs (or diaphram).

I think it's either the pedal pivot needs to be greased, something up with the master or slave cylinder, etc.

The shifting action is perfect on this car even with the stiff pedal and stiction on the pedal. Also, there is no vibration or jitteriness to the car when engaging the clutch from a stop. The clutch engagement transfers a smooth initial acceleration to the car.

If someone has any input, please let me know. Do your clutches get stiff with wear??

thanks
Peter

I know this sounds elementary, but have u tried bleeding the clutch at the slave cylinder. Just one of the things that is easy to check.

I'm replacing my clutch and at 47.8K miles. When the mechanic got the transmission out, he found out that the rivets on the on the clutch friction material is 1mm away from touching the flywheel (just in time before it ruins my flywheel). I don't think you want to wait until the clutch is 100% gone (by that time you will need a new $1000 flywheel too).
Also check you brake fluid moisture content (that might cause your pedal issue).

This is typical of Boxster clutches as well as what you are reporting OP. The T/O bearing wears away the grease on the pressure plate fingers & then it wears the fingers flat instead of rounded. Replace your clutch with a stock Sach as soon as you can & check your IMS bearing while the trans is out.

Yes, I'm replacing the clutch with OEM clutch kit (including TO bearing and trans input seal), RMS, LN IMS upgrade, AOS (better access when trans removed), brake/clutch hydraulic fluid, trans oil change and all 6 spark plug + 6 tubes with total damage close to $3K with labor and tax....