Taking the plunge. My journey as an O/O.

I’d also recommend going with the next highest torque rating if you have a 1650 go to 1850 etc.

 

I can’t think of any scenario where a clutch replacement would cause engine damage.

Thats absolutely insane. There’s no reason for it to take that many hours.

 

If the clutch is not assembled correctly, it has a physical connection to the engine and cascade failure is a possibility.

As for the labor?

The 16 hours is for the following things:

Clutch replacement
Input shaft replacement
Rear seal replacement
Hydraulic clutch slave line replacement

Simply replacing the clutch and nothing else is an 11.5 hour line item.

 

Designed

 

In my experience I’ve always had to replace them between 500 and 525k miles. So, you’ve done well.

Normally costs me about $2300 all together. I don’t mess with all the extra bs unless needed. Or, it’s included. I trust the shop I use to get er done and get er rollin. (Mom/Pop shop)

 

So you just need a clutch brake? Why not have one rolled in? Why are you replacing the whole thing if you don’t have to? I think you’d be way ahead going back to a company driver.

 

I have always done my best to maintain whatever vehicle I am driving. I could probably get away with only replacing the clutch, but then, in a hundred k miles, I get to pay most of the labor again if there is another problem with one of the bits and pieces I chose to skimp on during the last repair..

Could I get it done cheaper at a mom and pop shop? Sure. Could I get nationwide coverage from that mom and pop shop if the work is done in GA, and there's a clutch problem when I'm in Arizona? Probably not.

I'm not knocking mom and pop shops. To be fair, especially for older trucks, or for mechanical jobs, some of them are likely far and above more knowledgeable and efficient than a dealer shop, but I want nationwide coverage and I don't know any mom and pop shop owners.

 

The clutch brake can be replaced without pulling the trans. And replacing the clutch.

 

I was advised that the clutch brake was not engaging because the clutch itself was worn down to the point that it would no longer engage with the clutch brake, even if the clutch brake was adjusted.

The parts listed do not include anything that seems to be a clutch brake component, but if that component is a piece that is supposed to wear out like a clutch, I guess I'll give Freightliner a call in the morning and make sure they looked at it.

 

The clutch brake is just a friction disc. You don’t adjust the clutch brake. If your changing the clutch it should be standard anywhere to put a new brake in. The brakes are less than $50 or so. If the clutch is out of adjustment with no room to adjust further, then a new brake with out a new clutch won’t be the fix. But for future reference, if your clutch brake wears out, it’s usually a 2 piece brake, that can be changed out without dropping the trans. Even if it’s not a 2 piece, enough skill can cut the old one out, then replace with a 2 piece.