Xantia 1.9TD Clutch clip broken

Andywolf1980 · Post by **Andywolf1980** » 07 Dec 2009, 08:25

Ive already had a good search on this topic and found some very useful posts, so thanks.

Just a couple of questions though..

The clutch went "ping" last night and then fell flat to the floor. I managed to find the black plastic part (just like the one in this picture, only black) and a metal clip - both broken.
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=21201

This clip is supposed to be a fail safe?
So does this mean either the clutch has worn out or the cable has snapped?

I was driving it earlier that day and the clutch felt fine.
Mileage is just over 109 thousand.

So basically im asking if any of you guys think the job will be simply the clip or the clip is just the start of my problems?

Post by **CitroJim** » 07 Dec 2009, 08:34

Hi Andy,

A rotten job at the best of times

Normally the clip goes because the clutch is wearing and has become heavy in operation. Not always, as the clip is a bit marginal but many have replaced the clip only to have it fail after a few more weeks.

The 1.9TD clutch, when good, is truly as light as a feather. If it feels at all heavy then strictly it's due replacement. You'd be amazed at just how light the clutch should be and heaviness can develop over a period of time without you realising it. It is only when the clutch is replaced that realisation dawns over how heavy the old one actually was!

Beware that replacement clips from GSF don't always come complete with a new metal clip whereas the ones from dealers do. To be on the safe side, get one from your local dealer.

Andywolf1980 · Post by **Andywolf1980** » 07 Dec 2009, 08:51

Thanks for the quick reply.

That crossed my mind about it getting progressively heavier over time. I wouldnt say the clutch was very light, thats for sure.

If the clutch does need to be changed, is that a hard job? Ive never done one before.

Post by **CitroJim** » 07 Dec 2009, 08:58

It's not too bad Andy,

To give you an idea, have a look at this thread

This was my first attempt and the second and subsequent ones become easier

handyman · Post by **handyman** » 07 Dec 2009, 11:31

Jim, its NEVER easier, you just know what to do so its less daunting!

Handyman

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 07 Dec 2009, 12:57

CLIPS FROM DEALERS DONT COME WITH THE METAL PART ANYMORE EITHER JIM !

Paul

lexi · Post by **lexi** » 07 Dec 2009, 13:37

Some other guys have said that a new cable helped. Other guys have changed clip and got another 4 months or more before breakage again. It could be any of the factors mentioned. I do believe that at 10 yrs or more of use the plastic throat must work harden and fail easier than a new one.

As said though if it`s stiff a new one will break too. This job is made easier if you are in The Circus or a Jockey.

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 07 Dec 2009, 13:37

After doing my first clip I decided the next one would not give me the same trouble !! Second time I cut the clutch pedal pivot bolt off with an air hacksaw and replaced it with another bolt inserted from the accessible side of the pedal !! This is necessary because Citroen install the bolt with the head on the right side of the pedal which prevents it being removed after factory assembly !! Inserted from the other side it can be removed easily and makes changing the cable or clip a breeze !! Well , it's a 1 hour job at the most compared to half a day !! Thank the Lord for the hydraulic clutch on my X2 !!

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 07 Dec 2009, 15:09

Absolutly HDi BUT what I discovered when I dismantled a HDi 110 was that they STILL use the same pedal, and just weld a metal ROD to push into the Master cylinder for the clutch, and an extra hole punched into the fire wall for the master cylinder to TWIST fit into place... I was amazed how easy the Master and Slave cylinders came out, with tubing still intact...

Paul

rmunns · Post by **rmunns** » 07 Dec 2009, 16:18

Please can someone tell me;

September 2000 90Hdi saloon..............cable or hydraulic clutch?

Sorry for such a dumb question.

Post by **RichardW** » 07 Dec 2009, 16:30

Cable, sadly.... hydraulic clutch only fitted on cars with ML5 gearbox - HDi110, 2.1TD, 2.0T and V6 manual (possibly, not in the UK though!)

rmunns · Post by **rmunns** » 07 Dec 2009, 18:47

Thanks. Car has now done 7500 miles since main dealer noted to previous owner that clutch needed replacing. Not that it seems bad to me.

Anyone know of the price I would pay in UK to get the job done (new clutch and clip?). Price here in France is €650 or about £600. I'll be bringing carto UK over Christmas.

lexi · Post by **lexi** » 07 Dec 2009, 19:24

Lowest price may be £400. Then up to £600

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 07 Dec 2009, 21:06

HDi 90?? Cable - Job ... um, well, ME Id do it for ABOUT £250 quid - Valeo clutch kit too...

Paul

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 08 Dec 2009, 00:09

lexi wrote
"which prevents it being removed after factory assembly"

not quite true but it can certainly be a chinese puzzle thats for sure,

Paul wrote
"well, ME Id do it for ABOUT £250 quid - Valeo clutch kit "

ooooh Paul your cheap,

i charge FCF members 180 quid labour to fit a clutch, and about 25 to fit the clip, all pluss parts

regards malcolm