Xantia - heavy clutch

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Jaf
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Xantia - heavy clutch

Post by Jaf »

Hi guys. After driving a horrid hire car for a few days I’m home and Fred’s clutch feels ever so heavy. Maybe the cables got a bit tight or maybe the clutch needs changing. Think I’ll change the cable first. I have done a few clutch changes but it’s been a while. Anything to watch for please? Car has done 200,000kms, I’ve had her for the last 100,000 so pretty sure this would still be the first clutch.

Thanks.
Fred, a silver 1998 1.9TD SX Xantia.
Gwin, a white 1994 1.1 AX.
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Re: Xantia - heavy clutch

Post by Rhothgar »

They normally go around that region. Think my old S1 went at 140,000 miles.

Check the cable adjustment by measuring pedal height! The other issue with these is that if it is out of adjustment, one day you'll push the clutch pedal down and it won't come back up. There is a little plastic clip that secures the clutch cable to the pedal and it is an horrendous job to change. Car seat out, lie upside down for a couple of hours, unbolt the pedal box, put it all back together and then a visit to an osteopath to realign your body...
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chinkostu
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Re: Xantia - heavy clutch

Post by chinkostu »

I remember the TD being a pull clutch that when they start getting on a bit the pedal goes heavy owing to the fingers on the pressure plate.

Mines always been a touch heavy but i'm leaving it until I have a good week to tear everything down to do cable and clip too. Tbh mines been heavy for the last 4 years!
Stu

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Pug_XUD_KeenAmateur
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Re: Xantia - heavy clutch

Post by Pug_XUD_KeenAmateur »

I concur with Stu, think it very likely the pressure plate's on its way out; and he's also right about the TD being a 'pull' clutch

Seeing as its only the hire car that's highlighted the issue I'd be inclined to live with it til it demands attention unless you're desperate to enjoy doing the job
Puxa
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Re: Xantia - heavy clutch

Post by Peter.N. »

The XMs were the same but they would go on for many thousands of miles providing the cable didn't break and I think the cable is easier to change on the XM than th Xantia.

Peter
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moizeau
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Re: Xantia - heavy clutch

Post by moizeau »

I got given my BX in 2005 by my parents when they bought a newer car and the garage wasn't interested in a part chop. They were told after a previous service that the clutch was a little heavy and the fingers were probably getting tired. It's done another 140000miles since, no problems at all. I must be lucky, I've had 3 cars with over 200000m and all on original clutches. One did 450000 on the original. The gearbox was nicely 'bedded in' and you only needed to use the clutch for pulling away and down shifting! If it's not knackered leave it alone, old cars don't like change. Similar to rattles, if it still rattles it's still there. It's when the rattle stops...
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Peter.N.
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Re: Xantia - heavy clutch

Post by Peter.N. »

We had a TZD estate many years ago until someone ran into the back of it and wrote it off, lovely car for its day. Most of my diesels have been high mileage ones, I had two XM 2.1s with nearly 300k on them, the clutch started slipping on one and I still did about another 15k in it by not allowing it to slip.

Reliability is mostly dependent on the way you drive, it sounds as though you drive like me, but I don't suppose you'r as old. :wink:

Peter
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moizeau
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Re: Xantia - heavy clutch

Post by moizeau »

Probably do drive like you.
Rule 1: Never hold it stationary on the clutch.
Habit 1: Pull away without touching the accelerator until the clutch is released then free to go.
Age wise, I've no idea, it makes no odds. I've always driven cars like this. Doesn't mean you're slow, just smooth. One of the smoothest and fastest chaps I rode with was during my advanced bike test, retired bike copper on a Pan. Whipped me round the small lanes. I was on a Blackbird! Smooth is efficient and if you want fast.
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Peter.N.
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Re: Xantia - heavy clutch

Post by Peter.N. »

Slow and smooth makes the fuel go further :wink:

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Re: Xantia - heavy clutch

Post by Stewart(oily) »

They can be quite heavy for a long time, they can have a high bite point for a long time, ISTR engaging the clutch release fork with the thrust bearing requires a leap of faith. buy one of those clutch cable clips and carry it as a lucky charm :wink:
BXs since 1993 built 1.9 TZD turbo, got a S2 Xantia estate, brilliant car! 2013, Xantia HDI LX 110 2000 new car with 122,000, l C2 HDI Rusty rocket, C3 Picasso HDI new to me.
Jaf
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Re: Xantia - heavy clutch

Post by Jaf »

Thanks folks. Haven’t done anything about it yet...hopefully she lasts the summer. The pedal is a bit high but no slipping. I will get one of the clips. I’ve never changed a pull type clutch, though I’ve done at least a dozen normal ones. Something to not look forward to.
Fred, a silver 1998 1.9TD SX Xantia.
Gwin, a white 1994 1.1 AX.
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