O2J DMF lifespan

[rreegg]

The ‘02 tdi is coming up on 194xxx miles. Far as I know clutch is original dmf, engine is stock.

Is it wise to start thinking to preventative maint. the clutch and replace? There are still dmf options available but would consider going to smf and possibly upgrading to a stage 2.

Checked out tdiclub last night and didn’t find any obvious recommendations - just that the “clutch should outlive the vehicle” and people would “be happy with 150k” on original clutch.

I’m thinking 200k is a good time for replacement and no telling how a dmf may fail even if friction is good.

Thoughts or ideas? Car has been getting maybe 70% city miles past couple years. I’d like to upgrade injectors in the future but not go too crazy.

I tow up to 700# on a semi regular basis, including trailer weight.

While I’m here does this front wheel drive trans/clutch utilize a pilot bearing?

Thank you

 

[Nero]

You replace it when it starts making noises. Wouldnt hurt to do it early. Hard to really give it a timeframe or mileage interval. When I had my first tdi it had the original DMF in it at 322k with no rattle. I replaced it because I did a stage 2 tune.