On June 24, 2006, I purchased from gripforce-clutches (An ACT liscesed distributor) an ACT Stage 1 Heavy Duty Clutch kit for my Acura Integra. The clutch kit was $315 plus $18 for shipping. The clutch arrived on July, 11 2006. From that time until August 13, 2006, the clutch was stored (unopened) in my bedroom. The time was spent gathering other parts for the car, which were going in at the same time. On August 13, 2006, when we were ready to assemble the clutch, we ran into a problem. Upon opening the clutch pressure plate, we found severe rust. Rust up to 1/8” deep. This kind of rust can not form in the 32 days that I was in possession of the clutch. Unfortunately, there was no way of knowing that this rust was present until after it was opened. The top view of the clutch was not rusted, because it is painted yellow. However, you can not see the bottom side because of the wrapping. Gripforce claims that they inspect each clutch prior to shipment. That may be true, however the part in question was not visible when the package is unopened. They claim that the part is soaked in oil to prevent rust. This also may be true, however I believe that the part sat on an inventory shelf for months. This oil dried out, and allowed rust to form. Mike from Gripforce agreed with me, that this kind of rust is too severe to occur in only 30 days. Due to Gripforce’s 30-day return policy, I was not eligible for a new pressure plate, since I discovered it a mere 2 days late. However, their auction advertises a “12 month, 12,000 mile warranty against manufacturers defects.” Since it is so blatantly obvious that the rust on my pressure plate occurred LONG before I received it, I can’t imagine that it wouldn’t be ruled a defect part. However, Gripforce sent pictures of the clutch to ACT to be inspected. ACT ruled that the clutch had to have been drenched in water, and it was not defective. It wasn’t drenched in water, and it didn’t even get moist! Even the cardboard box showed no signs of water damage, and that pressure plate never even left the box. You can tell when a piece of cardboard gets wet. I paid $333 for a clutch kit that I cant use. The best that gripforce could do for me was replace the pressure plate, for another $245, including shipping. So in total, I paid $578 for this clutch that is only worth $315.
ACT SUCKS!!! Ive used their clutches before with great sucess, but their customer service SUCKS! Im switching to exedy, and not looking back. Im also filing a despute with paypal, and contacting the Better Business Bureau. If nessecary, I will file a Small Claims Court case. This is bullshit.
ACT SUCKS!!! Ive used their clutches before with great sucess, but their customer service SUCKS! Im switching to exedy, and not looking back. Im also filing a despute with paypal, and contacting the Better Business Bureau. If nessecary, I will file a Small Claims Court case. This is bullshit.