stiff clutch citroen xantia

gordons · Post by **gordons** » 24 Mar 2010, 10:30

Hi

I've just purchased a 1999 Citroen Xantia iSX 1998, 1998cc. Big mileage but everything works as it should with one possible exception - the clutch is very stiff, needs a lot of pressure to operate. No problems with gears these work excellently and no slippage on clutch.

My last car was a Mazda 626 which had a beautifully light clutch so I feel the heaviness on the citroen probably more than others would.

Is a stiff clutch normal on this model?

Can anyone suggest ways of making it less stiff?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 24 Mar 2010, 10:37

Welcome to FCF.
The stiff clutch is not normal. Normally it is indicative of an impending clutch failure. Especially so if it is a hydraulically operated clutch , with a cable clutch there are other issues.
You mention the car has big miles , how many ? do you have any maintenance history showing a clutch replacement ? If the clutch has done serious miles it may be on the way out.

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 24 Mar 2010, 11:08

Yes i would agree, its often a sign of a badly worn clutch or one thats on its way out. A stiff clutch on a Xantia isnt great, as this can cause the clutch clip to snap.

Old-Guy · Post by **Old-Guy** » 24 Mar 2010, 12:05

Agree. Could be a badly worn clutch cable but the clutch itself is the most likely candidate. When the clutch is changed, the nylon bushes for the release arm should also be replaced as a matter of course while the box is out.

gordons · Post by **gordons** » 26 Mar 2010, 18:14

Thanks for your replies and sorry for the delay in replying, been otherwise engaged. Mileage is about 200,000 but unfortunately I don't know when (if ever?) the clutch was last replaced.

I've experienced clutch problems on other cars with symptons like over-revving, difficulty engaging gears, noise (chatter or squeel), slippage etc but none of these symptons are evident on this car, the only indication is the pedal pressure required. Incidentally the pedal returns properly.

On the Xantia does anyone know if any warning signs are evident prior to failure or could the clutch "just go"?

It looks as though I will have to bite the bullet and take it in to the "experts"

Can anyone suggest a reliable repairer near to Newcastle on Tyne where I can get an honest opinion and not just sold a new clutch?

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 26 Mar 2010, 21:11

If its extremely stiff, probably the first thing that will go is the plastic clutch clip, which attatches the cable to the pedal.

I dont know of anyone up in the newcastle, though trying to find a good citroen indy might be a good idea, as they will know the car. I think there is one which specialises in citroens and fiats/alfas. I know exactly how to get there but dont know what the road/area is called.

DickieG · Post by **DickieG** » 26 Mar 2010, 21:16

gordons wrote:Can anyone suggest a reliable repairer near to Newcastle on Tyne where I can get an honest opinion and not just sold a new clutch?

Centreville will be the people to speak to, they specialise in all Citroëns, not only the DS.

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 26 Mar 2010, 21:30

Thats the place i was meaning i think, its around the shields road area. I wouldnt care but i pass by often enough.

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 26 Mar 2010, 22:31

hi Gordons. I agree with other posts.. a new xantia clutch is very nice !!

I may be interested in doing the job.. I have done 3 or 4 Xantia's .. Cramlington is my dads town, so would probably do it there...

John

Post by **Peter.N.** » 26 Mar 2010, 22:41

You could try lubricating the cable linkage where it goes through the bulk head and especially the shaft that goes through the bellhousing where the cable is attached, oiling the bearing where it goes through the casing can sometimes work wonders.

The clutch is not likely to fail suddenly, by the nature of its design the pressure plate is well past the centre of its operating point which is why its stiff, but as already mentioned the plastic clip on the pedal end of the cable could break.

Peter

gordons · Post by **gordons** » 27 Mar 2010, 00:02

Hey Everyone

A big thanks to you all for the very helpful advice

I'll give Centreville a buzz on Monday. Lovely to see all those DS19s, takes me back to the sixties when I tried to persuade my boss they would make an excellent company car, had to settle for a Ford instead.

jgra1 Cramlington is only 10 minutes up the road for me, can I get back to you next week.

Thanks again everyone, very helpful and very reassuring.

Post by **RichardW** » 27 Mar 2010, 07:45

Pretty sure the 2.0i uses the same pull clutch as the 1.9TD - which is well known for going heavy later in its life. A new clutch should certainly lighten it up - they are pretty light when new!

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