Xantia 1.9TD with a stiff clutch

Chris570 · Unread post by **Chris570** » 12 Dec 2009, 14:21

But in contrast to most threads i've seen here this car has had a new clutch (Valeo) and had new fork bushes...

tis a '94 model.

Any ideas of what could be causing this?

Cheers

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 12 Dec 2009, 14:36

They are all pretty heavy even when new, execpt the last XM I bought, it has a new clutch and is as light as a feather and I would like to know why.

Try spraying some copper grease on the bearing under the lever on the gearbox that the cable is attached to, also on all the joints of the cable and pedal bushes as well, that should lighten it up a bit.

Peter

Chris570 · Unread post by **Chris570** » 12 Dec 2009, 14:39

Excellent, will give that a go.

good cars these, easy to drive and with an easy 60mpg (even on veg) its amazing they didnt sell in greater numbers

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 12 Dec 2009, 14:43

They are indeed and the XM is even better

lexi · Unread post by **lexi** » 12 Dec 2009, 14:54

Get missus to operate clutch with engine off. Listen for signs of any stiffness. You can sometimes hear it outside on pivots or cables OR inside bellhousing. It can be a pointer if owt is worn or sticking. Any feeling of stickiness through pedal? That feeling can be travelling a long way!

Can also be caused by cheap nylon top hat bushes inside bell housing being worn.

Chris570 · Unread post by **Chris570** » 12 Dec 2009, 15:02

yeah, def with the engine off as they arent quiet engines

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 12 Dec 2009, 15:50

Chris, a 1.9TD should have a clutch that is as light as a feather, especially a new Valeo with new fork bushes.

If all the advice so far does not work, I'd replace the cable even though the dreaded clip makes it a less than simple job.

Chris570 · Unread post by **Chris570** » 12 Dec 2009, 16:01

I'll give it a go tomorrow and report back

makes me wish i'd bought the v6 with the auto box

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 12 Dec 2009, 17:20

Chris570 wrote: makes me wish I'd bought the v6 with the auto box

No, no, no you don't, Chris, not really

If that autobox throws its toys out of its pram (and they do

) it will hurt big-time! Take it from one who knows....

But.... On the other hand, a V6 is a truly wonderful car and once bitten, forever smitten

I love mine to bits despite practically rebuilding it, gearbox and all... Have a look at my blogs

A bit belated perhaps but a warm welcome to the forum Chris. You've arrived whilst we're in a bit of disorder and chaos but I hope you'll stay

Unread post by **xantia_v6** » 12 Dec 2009, 17:38

Peter.N. wrote:Try spraying some copper grease on the bearing under the lever on the gearbox that the cable is attached to, also on all the joints of the cable and pedal bushes as well, that should lighten it up a bit.

I was told (by a trusted engineer), that you should never use copper grease on any moving part, as the copper acts as an abrasive and wears away any softer bearing surface. Use it only on fasteners, flanges and (non sliding) splines.

A lithium grease or general purpose grease is probably better in this application.

flying clutchman · Unread post by **flying clutchman** » 12 Dec 2009, 17:40

Yeah, the clutch should'nt really be heavy if it's new. Changing the cable is the obvious thing to try, but it's a bit of a pig of a job. It's very important to route it properly through all the guides etc. (THAT may be what's wrong!)

Chris570 · Unread post by **Chris570** » 12 Dec 2009, 17:58

CitroJim wrote:
Chris570 wrote: makes me wish I'd bought the v6 with the auto box

But.... On the other hand, a V6 is a truly wonderful car and once bitten, forever smitten I love mine to bits despite practically rebuilding it, gearbox and all... Have a look at my blogs

A bit belated perhaps but a warm welcome to the forum Chris. You've arrived whilst we're in a bit of disorder and chaos but I hope you'll stay

I can relate to that, i have an AX with a VTR engine that despite all logical reasoning (SWMBO) i can't bear to part with it

lexi · Unread post by **lexi** » 12 Dec 2009, 17:59

I don`t think copper grease is a bearing grease either. I have also read that there is no copper in it

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 12 Dec 2009, 18:03

lexi wrote:I have also read that there is no copper in it

Then just what has it got in it then Lexi

Looks pretty coppery to me!

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 12 Dec 2009, 18:03

lexi wrote:I don`t think copper grease is a bearing grease either. I have also read that there is no copper in it

Well, it seems to work. I would have thought that copper, if it has any in it, would be softer than most other bearing materials. That being the case - use ordinary grease