Recently, I had to change a headlight. While I was under the hood, I found this just floating around in front of my battery.




After looking around a bit, I found where it came from. 2k miles ago I had a new clutch installed. Apparently they forgot to install this gasket which goes around what I think is the clutch fork. Anyway, there's a gaping hole into the assembly, and I can see my clutch assembly.




I'm of course going to take the car back to the shop and complain. But, is there any special work I need to have them do since it's been exposed to open air for such a long period of time. Any advice would help.

Thanks in advance

 

Nah, it's just a dust shield. There are plenty of ways for crap to get into the clutch whether or not that boot is there. Most I would ask for is for them to shoot some air in there to kick any dust out.

 

I dont see how that could have fallen off, looks like they forgot it. I'm sure that can't be good to have that area filling with road grime. I'd have them redo the entire job.

 

It won't hurt anything to have that off for 2k miles. The clutch bellhousing is dirtier inside than out. If anything, you're letting air blow around and through there, and blowing out some dust.

Personally, it wouldn't even be worth the drive to take it back and have it put back on. I could do it quicker in my driveway. It's a 5-minute job, tops.

If you just want to go back and complain on principle, go ahead.

 

Yeah, no way it fell off, but I was thinking how can you finish the job and think that looks right?

Okay, but would this have any relation to my clutch squeaking like a bad set of brakes from a cold start?