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[JamesV6CDX]

We have established my clutch has completely failed on the DTi. The best outcome I could hope for compared to a major engine fault 

I intend to fix it on this coming Tuesday. The problem I have is this.

The DTi has a different clutch to any other omega. It is a SAC - Self Adjusting Clutch, which, by the book, requires a (expensive) special tool to pull the pressure plate into the flywheel evenly, to avoid setting off the self adjusting mechanism and trashing the clutch - which I don't have. I need to get the job done this week, on weekdays, due to a house move. I can only borrow the tool at a weekend. So it looks like I can't get one. So I see my options as follows:

1) Buy the correct 2.2 DTi SAC clutch kit (with release bearing). Fit it without the special tool, however do the pressure plate to flywheel bolts up a very little bit at a time, progressively,  and very carefully, and hope I don't set off the adjusting mechanism. I have no idea what the chances are of a success without the tool. (will there be any way to tell that it's installed without activating the mechanism? Will there be an obvious sign if it has / hasn't?)

2) Buy a 3.0 litre standard clutch kit and fit as normal, centering the friction plate. But I have no idea if this will bolt to the flywheel or work on the DTi.

I see these as the only potential options. Naturally I'd rather have the correct bits fitted.

I've fitted loads of normal clutches and could do it blindfold, however I had no idea the DTi had a Self adjusting clutch, I have never used one before and need some advice on the best option really. Whatever happens I need 100% reliability as I'm driving it through Europe later this year, for a 3 week road tour!!

Opinions welcome please

[TheBoy]

Do it properly, with the right parts and right tools. Are the tools hireable?

Failing that, if time is against you, take the hit, and get a garage to do it.

[JamesV6CDX]

Do it properly, with the right parts and right tools. Are the tools hireable?

Failing that, if time is against you, take the hit, and get a garage to do it.

I agree, although Mark DTM and Taxi Al seem to think it's well doable carefully as long as the bolts are done up progressively. They are knowledable and experienced in this area and it makes me think for an £88 clutch kit, done carefully, it may be worth doing.

Re hiring - I've searched online, but not having much luck unfortunately

[JamesV6CDX]

I would do the garage option, but it concerns me they just wouldn't spend the same time and attention on it (eg making sure surfaces are clean and dry and flat) as I would. And I would have no guarantee they would use the right SAC tool either as opposed to doing up the bolts progressively  "oh yeah it was fitted with the right kit mate"   

[Entwood]

According to their advert .. these people hire the kit out ... worth a phone call at least ??

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SAC-SELF-ADJUSTING-CLUTCH-COMPRESSOR-TOOLS-Buy-or-Rent-AUDI-BMW-MERCEDES-ETC-/320928478223?pt=UK_Measuring_Tools_Levels&hash=item4ab8d3f40f

[05omegav6]

Try Vauxhall...

Book time for an Omega clutch is about 3-4 hours iirc... negotiate

Alternatively, if your local VX dealer is long established, ask if they have the tool and if you might rent it...

[JamesV6CDX]

Thing is Al, our VX dealer staff just seem disinterested and I wouldn't be confident of a good job 

If the chances of doing it successfully by progressive tightening were over 80%, I'd give it a go...

[05omegav6]

I can't see why the chances of getting it right would be that low tbh... if it were that sensitive it would be sent out with locks attached

Nip it up with a pair of 1/4 ratchets working opposite bolts simultaneously. Fit the bolts finger tight, then one turn at a time on opposite bolts and you'll have it nipped up in no time

Thing is Al, our VX dealer staff just seem disinterested and I wouldn't be confident of a good job 

If the chances of doing it successfully by progressive tightening were over 80%, I'd give it a go...

If they balls it up it's on their heads, any work should be guaranteed for 12 months... regardless of the agreed price

[aaronjb]

I can't see why the chances of getting it right would be that low tbh... if it were that sensitive it would be sent out with locks attached

Funny you should say that - I got all worried about the M3 when I read this, as that has a self adjusting clutch, too..

Which ships with a locking ring fitted that you remove once the clutch is bolted down, no special tool (beside a short centring tool) necessary. Phew.

I guess the design of the Omega clutch must not lend itself to having one fitted, as we're (probably) comparing LuK to LuK.

[05omegav6]

If it's that sensitive, then it would require special shipping, which in turn would make it more expensive than myrrh in a saffron wrapping...

[serek]

If it's that sensitive, then it would require special shipping, which in turn would make it more expensive than myrrh in a saffron wrapping...

its not about sensitive ,
please go on LUK site or other brand or search on google how SAC work then you will understand all

[05omegav6]

Downloaded the propoganda and digested... all it says is that the clutch effectively has a servo spring which allows a more precise adjusment than a regular clutch

Whilst this is all very clever, it doesn't actually say in words why you have to use the locking tool instead of progressively tighten the bolts in opposition...

Call me a cynic, but I suspect this has more to do with warranty protection than fiiting