xantia clutches

lexi · Unread post by **lexi** » 30 Jun 2009, 23:37

As some will know from a previous post I had the deaded clutch clip break. Replaced about 4 weeks ago, So far so good.

However I feel that this new one is straining ........I don`t know really as aint got a car to compare it with. Is there a poundage test for the pedal...I suppose not

Is there any way of telling that clutch is suss without stripping. I mean it is perfoming on all the usual tests. What causes it to go stiff and need replacing if it is operating ok otherwise.

Easier way out for the meantime may be to try and fab a steel clip that wont break and leave me stuck . That may break the cable?

I don`t mind fitting a new clutch in winter but no time ATM.

Please don`t say it only takes a day..........I know I would be at it all week

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 01 Jul 2009, 00:11

isnt it winter in Scotland yet then TEA HE and AKI D NOOOO

if you make a steel clip you might brake other components as well as the cable

i think these back to front pull clutchs are designed so they fail before they slip,

regards malcolm

lexi · Unread post by **lexi** » 01 Jul 2009, 13:14

So when clutch is failing it is getting stiffer? Why.

Car is not used much in winter Malcom . In summer it is used only for fishing and travelling up North to fish. Can`t be off the road for any time really. Trafic van is used for work otherwise.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 01 Jul 2009, 13:21

These clutches are funny Lexi. Heaviness is always a dead give-away but often the plate does not seem that badly worn on inspection.

All I know is that I agree with malcolm on the clip front and that a good 1.9TD clutch is as light as the lightest imaginable feather. Fundamentally, if it's heavy enough to make your foot ache operating it then it's had its day..

lexi · Unread post by **lexi** » 01 Jul 2009, 14:50

Thanks .

This is the thing . I m loath to strip . I have a receipt for a clutch done 10k ago but who knows?.

I don`t feel it heavy honestly. It just feels like it is rubbing at clip and a bit of friction. It`s not as light as HDI but you would expect that with an hydaulic MC etc. There is a very slight judder though on take up.

Time will tell.

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 01 Jul 2009, 17:09

Could it be the plastic up things that the arm sits in?
Maybe they weren't changed when the clutch was 10K ago?

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 01 Jul 2009, 18:47

very possible Xac,

but it could also be the cable, i know XANTS dont often eat cables but it has been known

regards malcolm

lexi · Unread post by **lexi** » 01 Jul 2009, 21:39

Xac wrote:Could it be the plastic up things that the arm sits in?
Maybe they weren't changed when the clutch was 10K ago?

You mean the actuating arm under the air filter? Need to look at this . Clutch cable? may get a new one and try it. It seemed free and easy when pushing it through bulkhead for clip location.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 01 Jul 2009, 22:30

Xac means the nylon pivot bushs at the top and bottom of the clutch fork shaft, which need replceing whilst the box is out

regards malcolm

lexi · Unread post by **lexi** » 01 Jul 2009, 23:00

citronut wrote:Xac means the nylon pivot bushs at the top and bottom of the clutch fork shaft, which need replceing whilst the box is out

regards malcolm

Ok. keep that in mind when /if box is out.

dnsey · Unread post by **dnsey** » 02 Jul 2009, 17:07

I had to replace two clutch clips about six months apart, so changed the cable (which seemed to run perfectly well 'off load'), and the result was a smoother, lighter clutch and no more broken clips.

lexi · Unread post by **lexi** » 02 Jul 2009, 23:47

dnsey wrote:I had to replace two clutch clips about six months apart, so changed the cable (which seemed to run perfectly well 'off load'), and the result was a smoother, lighter clutch and no more broken clips.

You may be onto something here. It may be worth a try to put a cable and new clip on and see how it goes.

SLYTZD · Unread post by **SLYTZD** » 04 Jul 2009, 19:20

Sorry to be negative but my '96 1.9TD Xantia's cable clutch was always very heavy, broke 2 clips, replaced the cable but made no difference. Still stiff enough for me to often worry that the clip was about to brake if I put the clutch right in. I presumed that the grease had dried up where it pivots on & in the bell housing.

uncle buck · Unread post by **uncle buck** » 04 Jul 2009, 23:22

Has anyone given any thought to converting the clutch mechanism to a hydraulic system.
I know from some of the projects detailed on the forum that most of the Xantia owners are very capable people, so would this not be an option?

I'm sure the necessary parts would be available from the breakers.

Just a thought...

Cheers.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 05 Jul 2009, 12:50

uncle buck wrote
"Has anyone given any thought to converting the clutch mechanism to a hydraulic system. "

it would be easyer to keep fitting a new clip if/when it was required,

regards malcolm