Problems with Xantia's clutch change

Martin Beevers · Post by **Martin Beevers** » 25 Sep 2008, 18:05

I started a clutch change today on my 95 TD SX, and had to stop and re-think my approach...

Firstly I cannot get the gear linkages off- Haynes manual says simply- "Prise them off with a flat screwdriver" All I seam to do is tear the rubber inside them...

Secondly I can't see how to get the pin out of the lever arm.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Awaiting your thoughts.

Martin

Post by **CitroJim** » 25 Sep 2008, 18:41

Hi Martin,

I know your problems well

Don't attempt to removed the rubberised ends of the gear linkages and only pull the solid ends off. It's OK to leave the rods dangling as you remove the 'box. They can be tied out of the way if need be.

Best method I find to disconnect the balljoints is to roll them over to the very edge of their movement, exposing as much ball as possible and then levering them a little more with a small pry-bar. So often they come off with finger pressure when right on the edge.

If you have torn the rubber, you must replace the rods although a temporary repair can be done with superglue!

The clutch release pin: Remove the spring, douse the pin and housing in Plus-Gas and attach a pair of Mole Grips pointing vertically up and tightly attached to the exposed part of the pin. Take a hammer and tap firmly on the jaws of the Mole Grips to drive the pin forward and out. This works better than trying to twist the pin out.

On the subject of the release lever and shaft, replace the top and bottom nylon bushes. They cost pennies from a stealer and make a big difference

Martin Beevers · Post by **Martin Beevers** » 25 Sep 2008, 19:18

Cheers Jim,

Do you suggest I disconnect the linkage's further back? I mean the next ball joints down. If that makes sense...

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 25 Sep 2008, 19:19

for the gear linkages, i allways use a spanner of the right sized jaw to fit under the cup, but wide enough jaw to clear the ball end, this is the opposite end to the rubberised coupling as Jim said

regards malcolm

Martin Beevers · Post by **Martin Beevers** » 25 Sep 2008, 19:40

Cheers Malcolm, every tip will help.

Post by **CitroJim** » 25 Sep 2008, 19:55

Martin Beevers wrote:Cheers Jim,

Do you suggest I disconnect the linkage's further back? I mean the next ball joints down. If that makes sense...

Yes, not a problem at all Martin. I've extracted a gearbox with the linkages dangling from it with no worries. As Malcolm says, it do't matter where as long as you only disconnect the solid ends and not the rubbery ones!

The official tool for popping off the linkages is a fork-shaped device, hence Malcolm using a spanner for the job. I've used the same method in the past but prefer now, my short cranked pry-bar or if the Weetabix has gone down well, just fingers.

Martin Beevers · Post by **Martin Beevers** » 25 Sep 2008, 20:11

Thanks Jim,

I had an idea thats where you meant, but needed to make sure.

I'll get back in the ring for another swing tomorrow.

Martin Beevers · Post by **Martin Beevers** » 27 Sep 2008, 18:55

Got a new linkage from the local dealer and was amazed to find Citroen have modified the connectors.

It had buttons you could press to release/connect the ball joint.

However, when everything was all back together I found that when I turned the front wheel forward the opposite wheel turned backwards.

Help, I can't fathom it out. I'm a bit stumped. I just can't see what's gone wrong.

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 27 Sep 2008, 19:07

the original link rods are ment to do that but for some reason they dont ofte

and the wheels turnning opposite directions whilst off the ground is correct and normal,

regards malcolm

Martin Beevers · Post by **Martin Beevers** » 27 Sep 2008, 19:30

Thanks Malcolm,

Glad to hear that nothings wrong. It just spooked me a bit...

I just phoned my brother and he confirms it too.

Martin Beevers · Post by **Martin Beevers** » 03 Oct 2008, 20:40

Thanks Jim and Malcolm.

Just returned from a 400 mile round trip to Newquay with no problems and the clutch is still sexy and new...

Thanks again for your help and advise fella's.

Martin

Post by **CitroJim** » 03 Oct 2008, 21:43

Martin, that is excellent news

Thanks for letting us know the end result. Hope you enjoyed Newquay.

Isn't a new clutch wonderful. I'll wager it feels so light compared to the old one...

Martin Beevers · Post by **Martin Beevers** » 04 Oct 2008, 10:13

Yes Jim, light as a feather.

I also took your advise on replacing the nylon bushes either end of the release fork. The old ones were worn oval...

My old man is getting a bottle of rum for his help getting the gearbox back in. Not bad for a 74 year old.

Martin