I drove mine that way for over a year with nothing more than the shudder
being apparent.  The engine mainseal finally decided to dump oil at an
alarming rate (coating the windshields of tailgaters) and causing the
clutch to slip going up hills.  My hatch was also well coated with oil.

Bottom line ... you choose the time to do it ... or it will choose it
for you.

BTW ... I did the job myself in my driveway without any special tools.
Not only did it save a bundle ... I was able to do other things that
someone being paid to "Do the clutch" wouldn't do.

Mike

Wil Haslup wrote:
> Mike Collum wrote:
>
>> Hi Wil,
>>
>> I'd say it's clutch time ... and while you're there you should replace
>> the engine seal and pilot bearing along with having the flywheel
>> resurfaced.  Of course you'll replace the throwout bearing and you
>> should either true up the release fork or replace it along with
>> checking/replacing its bushings.  Replacing the input shaft seal in the
>> transmission is another must do as far as I'm concerned.
>>
>> While it's all out ... replacing the starter bushing is a very good
>> idea, too.
>>
>> Mike
>> Houlton, Maine
>
>
> Thanks for the many responses both on and off list.
>
> I expected as much.  I usually do most of the work on my Vanagon but I'm
> going to have to have this done.  What's the typical price tag.
>
> At the moment I only have the shudder starting from a stop in first.
> When shifting at speed into 2nd, 3rd, or 4th there is none and I can't
> say I've noticed it in reverse.  Does this mean I've got some time or is
> that wishful thinking?
>
>
> --
>
> Wil
>
>
> -- http://www.charmfx.com/
>
> "In action a great heart is the chief qualification. In work, a great
> head."
> -- Arthur Schopenhauer
>