Thread: HD Clutch - 300TDi

As a 300tdi 5 speed owner, I can say just be prepared when you take the gearbox off - look for wear on the fingers of the pressure plate rather than wear in the friction plate. It could be that there has been a new clutch before you had it.

If it looks original, (valeo brand) and you go the new clutch kit, take the flywheel off and have it machined ( $50 ), and invest in a new fork. It took about 13 years for mine, but eventually the push rod will wear through the fork and punch a hole in it. Try and get someone to mig a bit of steel across the back of the fork so it can never wear through ( At least for the life of the car)



You'll find you have two or three main choices for clutch kits : Valeo and AP (Maybe Borg and Beck) I found that the AP clutch fingers showed wear after a few years, whereas the Valeo HD version seemed to last longer.

Also remember to clean up the slave clyinder ( new seals ) and maybe a new spigot bush. Better to get it done right than having to take it apart again. (Been there, done that)

Here's a thread and pics of the OE Valeo driven plate and pressure plate @ 225,000km.
Reinforcing the fork behind the pivot is fine, but the slipper pivots will fail anyway in my experience.
FWIW I just used an AP kit as JC has said he's had more success with them than the Valeo, which have on occasion gone BANG.

300Tdi clutch fork failures (cont'd)

Short answer is "Yes I would"

I had the pleasure of driving a mate's 300tdi Defender with a new Heavy Duty clutch. It was a joy compared to mine (which is OK, replaced about 50k ago).

Around town is exactly where it would be most useful IMHO. The working is much smoother and the take up too.

Which one did he have put in, sorry i don't know but it was done by major independent LR repairer in Perth so if/when I need to do it again I'll take it to him and say "I want that one"

Where do you guys get your HD kits from?
eBay seems expensive...