BX clutch cable renewal.

tomsheppard · Post by **tomsheppard** » 18 Feb 2003, 18:18

Ok, so I have forgiven the BX. It has convalesced enough to be taken back home to France where it delivered a good half ton of household effects Laden, the ride is even better than Dad's (Mum's!)E-class Merc. according to my travelling companion. She was asleep in about 5 minutes, a new record. Yes, it is the comfiest car I have ever driven, at least when laden. Empty it is a pogo stick. Dunno why yet but somebody here will. Before I replace my left leg, I will probably have to replace the awfully heavy clutch. As it neither slips or drags though, I am considering replacing the cable with the new one I have just bought. Does one have to hang from the rear view mirror with a hacksaw blade between the teeth for three days to accomplish this feat or is it difficult? Seriously, there is a rubber cover on the engine side of the bulkhead that I suppose needs dislodging but I haven't figured out how yet. Do the four bolts holding the pedal assembly come out to make it easier? If so, I suppose that this is a good time to remove the brake pedal spring. Has anybody done the job recently?

timmsd · Post by **timmsd** » 18 Feb 2003, 19:29

Changed mine on Saturday. 40 minutes but I expected hours (I did the first time but read on).
First remove the 2 nuts and free the pedals inside the footwell. Then release the cable from the box end (visa versa if you wish). I'm assuming the battery and air ducts etc are already out.
Then pull the pedals (clutch brake and acc.) until you can unhook the cable from the end of the pedal. The next job is to unhook the cable from its travel under the exhaust pipe. As for the rubber gromet I removed it by a little gentle manipulation. Then the whole lot comes out. put the rubber back on the cable and re-route the cable. Hook on the end of the pedal and feed the inner through the ring which locates the outer of the cable. Pull the inner tight from the box end and if lucky the outer will locate itself (I say if lucky) then but the pedal box back. Now I didn't fit the little plastic ring which is supposed fix the outer to the pedal. Reason, I did last time and it took almost 3 hours of cursing before I gave up and fitted it without it. That cable did 60,000 and was still OK when I changed the car. So choice is yours!
Oh yes the rubber gromet fitted back in OK with mine.
Have fun

tomsheppard · Post by **tomsheppard** » 18 Feb 2003, 19:47

Thank You! I'll give it a go next weekend.

Post by **Jon** » 18 Feb 2003, 22:01

Hello Tom
Its also worthwhile to change the clutch lever arm and bolt whilst your there. Reason being, the clutch arm can get slightly bent, or the bush in the arm gets a bit seized. Theres a modified lever arm and bolt available here or from Citroen, 96134964 and 95635518, the lever has a stengthening bar welded across one end to stop it bending.
If you lever arm is not bent, then simply unbolt it, clean it up inside, copaslip it and put it back on
Lever arm problems are a well known source of the infamous BX heavy clutch, apart from the cable or the trait of the bending pedal gear!
<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>
Jon Wood
Forum Admin

tomsheppard · Post by **tomsheppard** » 24 Feb 2003, 14:00

Did the deed at the weekend.Slightly difficult at the pedal end but eventually sorted it. The action is a little better and the over centre action can now be felt. I hope that that will hold off the clutch change for a bit..