13 speed clutch help. What to do?

Well, A bit confused at my clutch.. 13 speed Eaton Fuller.

I bought a Volvo with a 13 speed to use as a RV hauler from a retiring trucker. It is not registered commercial anymore.

Last fall I had it at the volvo dealer for a quick maintenance adjustment when they were doing the computer reprogramming.. They said the clutch was seized and wouldn't adjust it.

Clutch has about 300k miles on it but from eastern Canada. It has an ONE piece brake.

Second shop had no problem adjusting it the best they could (due to the brake wear) and said I needed a new brake as my old one is missing a pad on one side and needs to be changed asap before it wears the nose cone. - They said if needed, they could put a thicker brake in. They couldn't get it into the shop at that time before I was leaving the state.

Third shop, I went to get the brake changed and they said the clutch was gone and it would be a waste to put a new brake on as it would only last a few uses..

Took the truck back to the place I am staying at and parked it until I need to make the trip home (2000 miles) this upcoming Thursday.

I priced the replacement and can get it replaced at a truck shop I use at home and have a good relationship with for about $800 cheaper then locally here.

My plans were to stop at KYClutch on the way home and pick up a rebuilt clutch/bearing/2 part brake then get it installed at home. (I am leaving Kansas and heading up to Atlantic Canada)

I decided to have a look at it today and I can't really see the clutch friction disks, but I do see the clutch brake. It has the friction pads on the side facing the clutch/throw out bearing and couldn't see the other side, I did feel and look at the nose cone, I don't see any wear on it. (Clutch looks like it is adjusted to the 1/2" spec)

I have not felt the clutch slip at all at any time driving, the reason I originally had it checked out was that sometimes it lightly grinds when first putting it into gear, but not always and that I wasn't sure when it had been adjusted last. (Since it was there getting the speed reprogrammed, I thought I may as well get it adjusted for maintenance). The trailer is hauls only now is 15k lbs, nothing heavier.

It has the hydraulic clutch and a few of the places were talking about how much of a pain it is due to the opening, so I am wondering if they just didn't want to deal with the mess of cutting it off? lol

Question is:

Since I have not ever felt the clutch slip, should I bother replacing it? I agree I do need a clutch brake, but unsure about what the third shop meant by the brake would only last a few times if replaced.? If the clutch was gone, wouldn't it would start slipping when accelerating?

I put about 5,000-10,000 miles on it a year.

Trying to debate if I should get the rebuilt clutch on the way home and by the time I install it, I could be up to about $1500-2k, vs $200 for a brake cutoff/install. Hate to bother replacing the clutch if there is plenty more life in it especially for the amount we drive it.

Thanks

Jason

 

Thanks everyone, I will grab a brake to have with me (get a discount on a friends parts account) and will have it replaced when I get home. I always float and only use the clutch taking off.

 

Tranny bushings: Anything the engineers can do to cause extra shop hours they will..