Replacement Clutch Pricing - 159 ...Wait..Its How Much..!?!?!

[ben.eldred]

Hello Alfa Fans.

This is my first post to the community and was hoping someone may be able to share some advice.

My Alfa 159 2008 2.2Ti SeleSpeed has been jumping out of gear and selecting neutral when down gearing in Automatic mode, only just started to happen after 120k KM's and sometimes it doesn't do it all, seems to be when the engine is warm. Just had it taken to a specialist in Brisbane who hooked it up to the diagnostic computer and was Quoted $2798 to replace the Clutch Master Actuator. This includes around 10 hours labour and all the necessary fluids and oils.

Does this sound about right or does anyone know of any independent mechanics they could recommend for a better price? It sounds quite steep to me, Ive owned a few Alfa's but never been been quoted that much before for clutch work.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ben

[bazzbazz]

Ben, there is  RARELY EVER a need to replace the entire Selespeed actuator. Replacing the clutch yes, replacing the slave cylinder yes, Accumulator yes, pump yes, sensors yes, seals yes, solenoids yes, Gearbox yes, but the entire Selespeed actuator NO!

Jumping out of gear while down changing is usually a pressure/pump problem or a faulty/dirty sensor.

I specialise in Selespeeds and run an "onsite" (come to you) Diagnostic & Repair service here in Brisbane for Alfa Romeos.
I will send you a PM with my contact details, at least you will have the choice of an unbiased second opinion if you should want.

Baz

[Darryl]

As another option, Quattromotive at Nundah are experienced with selespeed adjustment and repairs (as well as other aspects of Alfa 939 series ie 159 and Brera) (07) 3266 2228.

[bazzbazz]

They do very good work too

baz

[bazzbazz]

Just an update, Ben was fortunate. All it needed was a yearly EOL Calibration.  All sorted, $120. 

I don't think the original quote was in any of a malicious nature, just unfamiliarity with the system and they wanted
to get him on the road the best way they new how.

Baz

[werdna]

Nice work Baz! great to hear.

[Darryl]

Nice work. I kinda wondered if it was going to be that simple.  Glad Ben found someone who knew their stuff. Unless you either have very deep pockets, or a mechanic prepared to write off some of the costs of trying things incrementally/spending time coming to grips with the system as a "learning experience" (in the hope of recovering it on future jobs, hopefully, for others) anything slightly unusual can seem very expensive. As you say, probably no malice - just wanted to be sure of a fix, for a known price. Replacing the whole unit achieves that (yikes!) - although, surely, still needs a calibration ?!

[ben.eldred]

Gents!! All I can say is Baz is the man. Super knowledgable and saved me a ton + I think he secretly enjoyed taking the 159 out for a test spin, once fixed. The issues were diagnosed and sorted out within 2 hours. I couldn't recommend him more. In fact Ive already passed his name on to the chap who has just bought the car from me. Hopefully you wont hear from him, just too soon. But we all know alfas

As for me Im downsizing back to the 147, my sensible head is telling me to buy a house.

Cheers guys for all the help

Ben

[bazzbazz]

Awwwww, you sold "TWITCH" !

How could you. 

Did you at least tell the new owner that "Twitch" had a name . . . . . and why ?   

So when do I get to take the 147 for a spin and name it too?

Baz

[ben.eldred]

looks like sooner than later, had it two weeks and she's already died on me. I'll PM you the details Baz. Looks like the Alfa gods haved turned their luck around on me...but what have I done wrong 

[greasemeup]

Disloyalty to "Twitch" would seem to be a plausible possibility, sorry!


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[kaleuclint]

All I can say is Baz is the man.