I suppose that I'm something of a "spirited" driver. I'm not trying to race with this thing ('87 245 GL, B230F, M47) but I do frequently wind it out to 4500-5000rpm, e.g. when merging onto the expressway or passing. I find that my stock B230F really doesn't come to life until about 2500rpm, and with generous throttle application pulls quite well from there into the high 4000's. (Torquey lil' bastard for a 2300cc 4 banger)

I've had this car for about 3 1/2 years, and it currently has 157K miles on it. The previous owner (a Volvo tech. w/no kids-it looks almost brand new inside!) replaced the factory clutch at around 125k miles (this was about 6 months prior to my purchasing the car). The clutch has recently taken to making a loud 'whirring' noise whilst engaged that I'm told is a failing t/o bearing. I've been told by two different indy. shops that I need a clutch job. The PO's receipts indicate that he used genuine Volvo parts, for whatever that's worth, last time around.

I think that I must have just set the Guinness record for the shortest lived clutch-4 years and 32K miles!! Barring an installation boo-boo on part of the PO, would it be reasonable to assume that my driving habits had something to do with this? One mechanic opined that the clutch material has changed over the years and even the OEM parts (Sachs?) aren't as well made as what was installed at the factory. But, still, 32K miles....

First rule of clutch service:

When you have it apart, ALWAYS ALWAYS replace the throwout bearing and pilot bearing/bushing, even if they look/feel good.

Nothing you have described should wear out a throwout bearing in 35k miles. I would be willing to bet he didn't replace it, just changed the clutch disk. (At 125k seems awfully soon, too.)

I believe riding the clutch would tend to wear out the clutch disk before it wore out the throwout bearing, but someone with more experience could correct me on that.

I agree with George on this .... as far as upshifting and downshifting goes ... on downshifts I bring the revs of the engine up to match the gear I am shifting into .... over many years of driving I have never had to replace a clutch ... I just wonder if the PO replaced the throwout bearing when he changed the clutch ? Have a look at those service records and see if there is a throwout bearing listed .......
--
Brett Sutherland & the 1.5 million mile 122 Canadian

It seems to me that how you downshift makes a lot more difference than
whether or not you do it. If your speeds are synchronized so the
clutch doesn't slip, deceleration is no worse than acceleration. Therefore
even though brakes are (maybe?) cheaper than clutches, you can do engine
braking without slipping the clutch excessively and thus do not add much
wear to the clutch. On the other hand, unless you are stopped when you
apply the brake, it always "slips" and thus wears.

In your case it sounds like your throwout bearing is going bad.
They are relatively cheap, although putting them in is sort of a pain.
I'd bet that your clutch is OK, just the throwout is bad.
Again, how you shift and clutch makes a lot more difference than when
or at what speed.
--
George Downs, The "original" Walrus3, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

I don't believe shifting at high rpm's is bad for a clutch - I have always thought the worst offense is to "ride" the clutch when slowing down/decelerating and not releasing the clutch crisply when shifting. I also rarely downshift as a brake method, since brakes are cheaper than the wear on the engine, tranny and clutch that results from frequent downshifting.

Jay
84 245 GLTi 217k

Dear amazon68,

The next time when you're cruising, take a look at your left foot.
If it's your habit leaving your foot on the clutch pedal(even lightly), this may cause yur clutch to wear out quickly.