Clutch just went twang...

MikeO · Post by **MikeO** » 28 Apr 2005, 20:21

[:(]
Driving home, I just depressed the clutch,when it decided to return the compliment. There was a 'twang' noise and the pedal immediately stayed at its lowest position (ie didn't spring back). The clutch was engaged - luckily I was close to home and managed to get to my house without any further drama. When I stopped, I found the clip pictured below (with a pound coin, for scale) in the driver's footwell. The clutch pedal is completely 'floppy' and has no return spring action.
Does this sound like the infamous plastic clip breaking? Any advice appreciated...
Mike

MikeO · Post by **MikeO** » 28 Apr 2005, 20:22

Oops - should've said - it's a 1994 Xantia TDi...
Mike

P 2501 · Post by **P 2501** » 28 Apr 2005, 20:36

Thats the dreaded clip i'm afraid. Lots of swearing upside down with your head amongst the pedals if you DIY.
Don't know how much at garage though. £70-100 as a rough guess?

littleredrooster · Post by **littleredrooster** » 28 Apr 2005, 21:32

About 3 quid at GSF for the repair part - I got one for the 405 'just in case'. Looks like a tw^t to fit, however, unless you have detachable eyeballs and an extra joint just below the elbow!

harryb.48 · Post by **harryb.48** » 28 Apr 2005, 21:35

Mike,
I had your problem just a few weeks ago,have a look at this topic:
http://www.andyspares.com/discussionfor ... lutch+clip
Richard W`s step by step approach was exactly how you should approach the job,with the added tip from Brian M that you shouldn`t waste any time loosening the retaining bolt right off if it is facing the wrong way.
As others have said,if your clutch is on the way out (stiff operation,possible high miles) then it could perhaps put strain on the clip again.Also ,the condition of your cable should be checked as it could be dry/stiff to move and need lubrication or replacement.
Good luck

Post by **RichardW** » 28 Apr 2005, 21:35

Clip - £5.
Labour to fit: 3 + hours
Plenty of posts on here how to do it. Get a straight headed 13mm ratchet spanner which will make getting the bolt out MUCH easier. If you can borrow an air saw to cut the bolt off you're laughing. A 94 will have a manual adjust cable which makes getting the spring back on 'interesting'. Not a pleasant experience I'm afraid, but one of those jobs you just have to knuckle down to with plenty of tea breaks!

AlWilliams · Post by **AlWilliams** » 28 Apr 2005, 22:10

Can confirm this job is a git, had to do it on my ZX last year. It helped a lot to remove the drivers seat as you can move into better positions for access. Took a lot less than 3 hours in the end, but I don't know how different the Xantia is.

MikeO · Post by **MikeO** » 29 Apr 2005, 19:27

Okay - I've been scared sufficiently by reading all the posts that I've got a local specialist garage to do it - they've quoted me £100 + VAT, which seems reasonable (particularly after I met a mate last night who'd done it!). The fact that I'm 6'6" with hands like hams probably means this is a good solution.
So - how much more work is it to change the clutch cable whilst he's about it? Seems like a reasonable thing to do while he's there...
Mike

VisaGTi16v · Post by **VisaGTi16v** » 29 Apr 2005, 20:56

Ah this brings back "fond" memories of the clip giving way on my zx 16v in the outside lane of stationary traffic on the M25 sigh

Luckily I was by an exit so managed to barge my way through starting it in gear and reconnected it on the slip road verge!
When in traffic the bite point used to get lower and lower to the floor as well making it harder to engage any gears, I guess because the cable was routed too close to the exhaust and was heating up and stretching or something?

harryb.48 · Post by **harryb.48** » 29 Apr 2005, 21:10

Changing the cable should be child`s play,and your mechanic might do it for a bit of fun after changing that d*@n clip!
Should cost little more than the price of the cable.

MikeO · Post by **MikeO** » 05 May 2005, 04:06

Well, got the car back this afternoon - £150 including supplying a new cable (£30ish), so he was as good as his word on the quote. The clutch feels much lighter now, so I reckon the cable probably needed changing and that may have caused the clip to break. Overall, having read some of the horror stories posted here about this job, I'm pretty pleased.
Thanks for the advice,
Mike [:)]

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 05 May 2005, 04:41

bit harsh and hard work sawing head of pivot bolt when you can remove it with out destroying it bending bits of body work and cutting carpet,just remove plastic block from rear of brake pedle arm once you have removed nut from cluth pedle pivot hold brake pedle down as far as you can you should be able to slide pivot bolt across as far as pos then move clutch pedle bottom end to the left as hard as you can then eas bolt head past brake pedle its tight but dose go whatch where pivot spring lives,then with pedle in your hand remove plastic fitting fit new one re/fit pedle ,lift it up making sure plstic fitting goes into tube in bulkhead support pedle at this point with block of wood, make small hook with wire coat hanger, pull metal clip slightlyoff plastic fitting get a second pair of hand to push bullet end of cable up throgh bulkhead from engine side till fully home then push clip home job done with out butchery have fun malcolm