Clutch on Hdi Xantia

rmunns · Unread post by **rmunns** » 20 Jun 2009, 22:25

Just driven my new purchase (2000 Hdi 90 Forte) from Doncaster to near Bordeaux. 871 miles. Really pleased, it's one owner, only 38000miles and has complete main dealer history. Even a full print-out from the dealer's computer.

So far so good.

But, on closer examination, the main dealer commented (april 2009):

"faults noticed while work carried out..... clutch operation is heavy - requires a new clutch"

I did think the clutch was a bit heavy and also comes in a bit sharp, but it seems fine on-the-run, just different to my other Xantia (1.8i16V 1998 with 205000km).

Previous owner-----38000miles in 9 years ----- fantastic service history (2002 spent £150, 2003 spent £246, 2004 spent £215, 2005 spent £320, 2006 spent £728, 2007 spent £337, 2008 spent £584, 2009 spent £360).

I reckon previous owner maybe decided enough was enough in April 2009 and decided not to have clutch done, instead traded in the car.

So question is:

is the Hdi clutch naturally heavier than 1.8 clutch?
how will problems manifest themselves? Might it 'get better' with use?
could someone have worn out a clutch mechanism in 38000 miles? (suppose he could have been a clutch rider and did all the miles in town).

Any general comments?

One more thing. Car was spotless when I got it, but when I got home I could see black deposits on rear bumper around the exhaust. I had seen the odd black puff in the mirror when accelerating hard. Fuel consumption not checked yet but I feel it might only be in high 40's, a bit lower than I would have expected, especially since practically all the 870miles were on motorways.

Xantic · Unread post by **Xantic** » 20 Jun 2009, 22:52

I have a 1999 Exclusive 110 HDI and the clutch is very light..

Its a bit high on the bite point but nice and smooth to use..
Hope this helps.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 21 Jun 2009, 09:00

The HDi 90 has a cable operated clutch identical to the 1.9TD whereas the 110HDi has a totally different gearbox and hydraulic clutch. The 90 has the BE3 'box whereas the 110 has the ML5.

Heavy operation on a cable clutch fitted to the BE3 'box is normally indicative of wear and a sign it needs to be replaced. If it gets excessively heavy you begin to endanger the life of the notorious clutch cable clip and you don't want that.

The procedure for changing the clutch is the same as a 1.9TD and has been covered a good few times on here... It's not really a bad job.

Unread post by **RichardW** » 22 Jun 2009, 08:08

Not checked the part numbers, nor under the bonnet of a Xantia HDi 90, but my mate's 2000 306 HDi 90 with BE3 box used a conventional push clutch.....

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 22 Jun 2009, 10:17

Yep, HDi 90's ARE a push clutch and are cheap to buy! About 80 odd quid..

HDi 110bhp are pull clutches and are DAMM BLOODY expensive !! About 189 odd quid!!

If the HDi 110bhp clutches are same as the D Turbo clutches: IE Pull clutches, why is there a massive difference in price???

Paul

Unread post by **RichardW** » 22 Jun 2009, 12:30

HDi 110 and 1.9TD same principal, but different clutch units. The HDi 110 has a separate release bearing that has to be snapped into place after fitting, whereas the 1.9TD comes with the bearing fitted, and the release fork has to be 'persuaded' to engage when refitting the box

. I suspect the HDi 110 clutch is beefier to cope with big increase in torque right where you drive it at around 2k rpm!