Agreed on that, there are enough drivers that never learned to use a=20
clutch properly, abused it on purpose (racing, needing to get a job done=20
like pulling a stuck vehicle out, etc.), and a few failures due to=20
defective parts/installation that have kept these specialist busy. My=20
neighbor's family has 3 transmission shops, work done includes manuals,=20
automatics, transfer cases and all driveline work. They are doing well.=20
 From about 1968 to 2002 we have had numerous stick transmissions in the=20
family with 2 daughters learning to drive, and mostly selling the=20
vehicles with well over 100,000 miles, and one with 250,000. We never=20
needed to replace a clutch or open up a transmission. We did lose one=20
automatic on a Bronco at 74,000 miles. We came from Atlanta to=20
Cleveland, Ohio with temperatures above 100F pulling a trailer. Ford=20
maintenance schedule said it was not necessary to change the tranny oil=20
and filter in the Bronco, but had a scheduled change for the F150, which=20
is what a Bronco is based on. I followed the appropriate schedule. It's=20
likely if I had changed the oil at say 60,000 miles, there would not=20
have been a problem. The vehicle still had an extended Ford warranty,=20
and it was replaced at no charge. The lesson is pay attention to the=20
vehicle's schedule, and if you do abuse it, take appropriate action.

On 8/6/2012 8:10 PM, John Gardner wrote:
> I've known several mechanics in the last 30 years who
> owned clutch shops. That's all they did - And very well,
> thank you.
>
> The clutch in a transportation-oriented auto should outlast
> the car. A few don't, because of poor design&  Acts of God.
>
> The rest - Pilot Error.
--=20
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