Another Xantia clutch problem!

Martin Beevers · Unread post by **Martin Beevers** » 17 Aug 2010, 11:13

Hi all,
I fitted a new clutch to my 95 SX about 2 years ago, along with both the nylon bushes in the bell housing.
The other day it started to drag a bit when I pull away. I also noticed when I press the clutch pedal after pulling forward in traffic there is a clicking noise.

I fear this is the thrust bearing that is failing. Maybe I shouldn't of used a cheap clutch.

Has anyone any ideas? I realize I will have to pull her apart again soon to fix this problem, and will fit another clutch as routine. What make would you guys recommend?

andmcit · Unread post by **andmcit** » 17 Aug 2010, 11:29

I'd be surprised if the 2 year old clutch is failing unless you've covered
80-120k in the past two years and fitted a new clutch when the car was
just 20k old. No didn't think so.

What make of clutch was fitted the last time as I've seen some reconditioned
(relined) clutches last a very short time. I'd expect LUK and Valeo to do the
job as they're the OEM fitment and you don't want to have to keep taking the
engine out as you sound like you're resigned to here.

One possibility is the thrust bearing wasn't exactly centred on the pressure
plate even though it runs along the output shaft; this assumes it's the 3 piece
clutch and not the thrust bearing snap ringed onto the pressureplate variety.
This could allow an uneven pressure on the fingers of the pressure plate so
not applying even operation of the clutch.

There's the possibility your clutch cable is starting the fray/seize if it's the
original fitment from new and then godforbid the clutch clip that secures it
onto the pedal when it comes to the noise you can hear.

Andrew

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 17 Aug 2010, 14:01

is it a manualy adjusted cable or a self adjuster,

a few years ago i sent a VALEO clutch back under warenty, got a report back from VALEO saying there was no problem with the components, and they sudgested it was used baddly adjusted as it had worn through the presure plate fingers,

this was a BX and it certaily was adjusted corectly when it left my workshop,

but these customers very seldom bring it back as advised in a couple of weeks to have the adjustment re/checked,

although i do agree with Andrew onprefferd brands

regards malcolm

Martin Beevers · Unread post by **Martin Beevers** » 17 Aug 2010, 14:17

I replaced the pedal clip about 4 years ago.I fitted the cheapest clutch I could find on flea bay. I can't remember the name. The noise is definitely coming from the bell housing.
I fear I have caused this issue myself. I adjusted the cable to reduce the height of the pedal (because the wife didn't like it) this must of caused it to drag, as gear selection became difficult and the burning clutch smell was evident. So I backed of the cable.

I have been out this morning and put the clutch through a little work out. I found that I have judder when pulling away and sometimes snatch when trying to pull away gently. The clicking noise doesn't happen every time when the pedal is pressed, it does it when pressing after raising to the bite point.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 17 Aug 2010, 19:04

were is the bite point at the moment,

if its to high this in its self can cause judder on take up,

regards malcolm

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 17 Aug 2010, 21:21

andmcit wrote:
One possibility is the thrust bearing wasn't exactly centred on the pressure
plate even though it runs along the output shaft; this assumes it's the 3 piece
clutch and not the thrust bearing snap ringed onto the pressureplate variety.
This could allow an uneven pressure on the fingers of the pressure plate so
not applying even operation of the clutch.

ALL TD Xantias use the awfull PULL clutch design!... which of course have the release bearing attached...

Cicking sounds to me like the auto adjust mechanisem is finished, but I dont think they were fitted as early as 1995....

Is there a consatina grommet half way along the cable?? Useually at the low point behind the engine?? The other tell tail is No adjustment nuts on the end of the cable....

Paul

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 17 Aug 2010, 22:31

Paul
i think Martin said it has an adjuster,

the easyest way to see if its the normal type clutch or the back to front pull type, is if the inner or outter cable opperates the clutch fork,

,

if the outter is attatched to the fork and the inner is attatched to a fixed stationary bracket forward of the fork it is a pull type clutch,

if the inner is attatched to the fork and the outter in a U shaped slot in the gear box houseing then it is a normal push type clutch,

regards malcolm

Martin Beevers · Unread post by **Martin Beevers** » 19 Aug 2010, 10:19

Mine is the pull type, and I have the adjuster nuts on the end of the cable.

I noticed today that the clicking noise only happens when I am in gear.

ACTIVE8 · Unread post by **ACTIVE8** » 19 Aug 2010, 11:15

Martin Beevers wrote:Mine is the pull type, and I have the adjuster nuts on the end of the cable.

I noticed today that the clicking noise only happens when I am in gear.

In a straight line, or when cornering?

Martin Beevers · Unread post by **Martin Beevers** » 19 Aug 2010, 11:38

It doesn't do it when driving, only when creeping forward in traffic or parking maneuvers.

With the car in gear, raise the clutch pedal to the bite, then press back down. This is when the click comes from the bell housing. Come to think of it, if it is doing it when changing gear whilst I'm driving along, I wouldn't hear it anyway. But I'm pretty sure it doesn't.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 19 Aug 2010, 12:10

citronut wrote:but these customers very seldom bring it back as advised in a couple of weeks to have the adjustment re/checked,

Apparently my Xantia had a new clutch 1000 miles before I bought it - should I have taken it in for this adjustment and what am I risking?

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 19 Aug 2010, 20:27

Mike its just what i tell my customers, as it is possible for them to need adjusting after everything has settled,

im sure you are more than capable of checking you clutch adjustment MIKE

regards malcolm

steelcityuk · Unread post by **steelcityuk** » 20 Aug 2010, 12:57

Sorry to hear of your problem.

Clutches are such a pain in the rear to change I only fit OEM spec. Whilst I'm at it I clean up the insides of the bell housing, fit new bushes & polish the rod (on the XM) and give the flywheel face a quick rub over with some very fine wet and dry. If budget allows a new clutch cable too - this made a world of difference to the XM TCT I did. All these extras do add a couple of hours to the job but I don't even try doing a clutch in one go.

Hope you get it sorted out.

Steve.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 20 Aug 2010, 13:10

citronut wrote:im sure you are more than capable of checking you clutch adjustment MIKE

Possibly, but I'm inexperienced in clutches and don't know what to look for or check. I feel it judders more than it should and I once tried a power start in second and it just slipped badly so wondered if it's in need of a tweak as the Mr Clutch reciept says it should be brough in for a 500, 1000 and 1500 miles check. Just wondered what your advise would be.

Apologise to the OP for thread spamming.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 20 Aug 2010, 13:24

Mike the first thing to check is the bite point, as to higher bite point can/will cause judder and also will cause slip, just check and adjust till the B/P is no more than half way up the pedel travle,

thats all being it is adjustable

regards malcolm