Clutch replacement cost?

[wwilme]

My wife's '04 MC has just about 90k and the clutch is beginning to slip, at least when I drive it. What should the replacement cost be all in?

I know that the standard replacement kit (disk, pressure plate and release bearing) can be had for under $250 anywhere online. Are there other parts that are usually required?

One guy on Craigslist who says he used to work for the local dealer has offered to do it for $660 plus $50 worth of gear oil. Do you have to drain the transmission? He also said the whole front clip needs to come off, but I don't remember reading that in my Bentley or Haynes manuals.

Any advice on this would be appreciated!

[MINIGURU]

Make sure you buy an OEM clutch, I've had many problems with aftermarket kits and this is too big of a job to do twice.
As for $660 that is crazy cheap, I wouldn't do it that cheap. Yes the front end either needs to be removed or put into the service mode. And yes you need to drain the trans fluid, otherwise you end up spilling it.

Hope that helps.

[nugent1021]

check out this site (below), good pictures. Whole front clip removed. Pretty big job for $660. It's worth your time to pay that and be done and know it's been done correctly (if you trust his work). Maybe call the dealer and verify his previous work experience?

http://lyle.smu.edu/rcam/cpm3v/miniclutch/miniclutch01.htm