Xantia Clutch Replacement

andycarter · Post by **andycarter** » 02 Jan 2009, 21:52

The clutch on my 1.9TD has starting to slip sometimes when trying to overtake or accelerate uphill.

Since I am planning to change the car at some point in the next 6 months I don't know if it is it worth trying to fix it? I'd rather save my money for the new car fund.

How long do you think it will last? I can treat it gently - will it remain driveable for long or am I going to suddenly get stranded one day?

What is it like as a DIY replacement job? cost and timewise?

Sorry for a lot of questions, I'm weighing up my options right now.

Thanks
Andrew

Post by **CitroJim** » 02 Jan 2009, 22:02

Hi Andy,

If it's starting to slip, it'll not be long for this world but could, with gentle use, go on for a bit. It's hard to say really. You've checked the cable adjustment?

As for replacing it, not too bad a job as long as you have the tools, space, a helper and time. Previous experience is good as I found second-time around, it was much easier.

Here is a blow by blow account.

It honestly looks worse than it really is

Post by **admiral51** » 02 Jan 2009, 22:15

Hi Andy
The other thing to take account of is the resale value
I would guess anyone buying it would probably try to knock you down a good £200 on the slipping clutch or worst case it goes totally and then you have a non runner

Colin

Post by **Peter.N.** » 02 Jan 2009, 22:27

The secret is not to let it slip, it could then last a long time. The clutch on my last XM started slipping on full throttle at just over 2000 rpm = max torque speed, I just eased off and stopped it, or didn't accelerate hard enough to make it slip and it lasted another 10,000 miles or so until I sold it.

andycarter · Post by **andycarter** » 02 Jan 2009, 22:32

Colin: I has assumed my car has practically zero resale value anyway, from a quick look at ebay old Xantias don't seem to fetch much these days - it feels to me like money down the drain. We will need a car with more seats due to expanding family, otherwise I'd keep it.

Jim: Thank you for the link to your epic writeup, I'm not too keen to attempt this job outdoors in January. I'll need to organise alternative transport, an engine hoist, some time off work and a helper... As for cable adjustment, it is slack when the pedal is not pressed, is that all there is to it or should I be looking for another adjustment?

Thanks guys for all your input.

andycarter · Post by **andycarter** » 02 Jan 2009, 22:35

Peter.N. wrote:The secret is not to let it slip, it could then last a long time. The clutch on my last XM started slipping on full throttle at just over 2000 rpm = max torque speed, I just eased off and stopped it, or didn't accelerate hard enough to make it slip and it lasted another 10,000 miles or so until I sold it.

Sounds promising, another 10k would be a big help

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 02 Jan 2009, 22:51

what year is this car, also if you look at the gear box end of the cable there will be a threaded section with a 10 and a 13mm nut locked against each other, if you car has an adjustable cable, if you dont find a threaded section it will be a self adjustting cable,

with an adjustable cable just try backing off the two nuts a bit at a time, see if this gives you more clutch

regards malcolm

Post by **admiral51** » 02 Jan 2009, 22:53

Hi Andy
Fair comment just me sticking my tuppence worth in

Colin

andycarter · Post by **andycarter** » 02 Jan 2009, 23:06

It's OK Colin, all comments are appreciated

red_dwarfers · Post by **red_dwarfers** » 03 Jan 2009, 10:35

I thought it was quite unusual for a Xantia to have a slipping clutch...usually the clutch clip brakes, this can't be far out from going and is a fiddly job.

If you do sell your Xantia, remember to advertise it on here first

andycarter · Post by **andycarter** » 03 Jan 2009, 12:50

Yep. The clip broke a couple of years ago.

Fortunately I'd just set off from home and got to the end of the road, so not too far to walk back and fetch tools

Your 195k on the original clutch is impressive!

red_dwarfers · Post by **red_dwarfers** » 03 Jan 2009, 14:15

andycarter wrote:Your 195k on the original clutch is impressive!

According to the service history, it was a fleet car for most of its life meaning use of the clutch was minimal

andycarter · Post by **andycarter** » 03 Jan 2009, 14:58

citronut wrote:what year is this car, also if you look at the gear box end of the cable there will be a threaded section with a 10 and a 13mm nut locked against each other, if you car has an adjustable cable, if you dont find a threaded section it will be a self adjustting cable,

with an adjustable cable just try backing off the two nuts a bit at a time, see if this gives you more clutch

regards malcolm

I have the adjustable type cable. Last time I adjusted it was when the clip broke, about 40-50,000 miles ago.

I'm going to try slackening it off as it looks a bit tight today - does the cable normally get tighter with wear?

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 03 Jan 2009, 18:17

yes as it wears well at least on the normal type the cable will become tighter as it wears, as the presure plate fingers come outwards and push against the thrust bearing

regards malcolm

lolingram · Post by **lolingram** » 04 Jan 2009, 18:05

Your 195k on the original clutch is impressive!

Just for the record, my HDi 90 Xantia estate is at 230k on the orginal clutch, and still lets in nicely and grips a treat.