C5 2009 2.0 hdi

[GiveMeABreak]

Basically if it breaks up it will fling metal filings or worse about the place. Apart from the clutch and the driveshafts, larger chunks could pierce the gearbox. Check out the damage to the bell housing like this:

[osx]

Just as I was leaving from work I felt some resistance trying to change gear. After a couple of gear changes I could only change them with brute force. Had to drive back home on 2nd as I felt I wouldn't be able to change gear one more time. No noise from the transmission but I did have a bit of juddering for the last couple of months when starting and the cruise control would disengage if i tried to increase the speed from 50 to 70mph for example.
Is it clutch only or could it be more serious?

[GiveMeABreak]

Likely to be your cables / linkages, they can dry out or wear out. You can try taking the gaiter off the gearstick and lubricating the linkage. If that doesn't help the cables may need replacing.

[osx]

Can change gears when engine not running. Clutch?

[GiveMeABreak]

Aaahh, so not that then - definitely something going on there. Release bearing going?
Sounds like it could be the release bearing playing up. With the engine off there's nothing within the transmission that is turning, so it is possible to change gear, but when it is running, there is excess friction in the release /throw out bearing, making harder to change gear.

If diagnosed as such, it will probably mean a new clutch kit, release bearing, and of course highly recommended to do the Dual Mass Flywheel at the same time as that probably won't survive the life of a new clutch.

[EDC5]

What damage could be done if it gets looser?

On a 307 I briefly owned the disintegrating DMF damaged a sensor causing the engine to shutdown constantly.

[osx]

Seems that I can shift gears without the clutch when the engine is not running.

[GiveMeABreak]

With the engine off there's nothing within the transmission that is turning, so it is possible to change gear, but when it is running, there is excess friction in the release /throw out bearing, making harder to change gear.

[osx]

All fixed. Surprised to be honest it lasted that long considering there was some judder from 50k and the car has now double the milaege.

[GiveMeABreak]

Lucky then, glad it is sorted. Leaving the DMF too long can be disastrous if it breaks up though. Did you get that done too?

[osx]

Yes, clutch and flywheel. Avoided the dealer and saved over a grand.

[osx]

Anything I need to update with the Lexia?

[GiveMeABreak]

No, not for those items