Stiff clutch on C5 HDi...are they all like that?

[lucklesspedestrian]

Hi there

I'm getting used to the C5 now (2007 1.6 HDi 46K), I've finally managed to get the right combination of seat/steering wheel adjustment to get comfy, and the climate problem has been sorted under warranty (needed a temp or heat reduction motor or something of that ilk!).

My only niggling complaint now is that the clutch seems a bit heavy. It doesn't slip and there's no judder and I realise that the notion of 'heavy' is a bit subjective. I'm guessing that diesels tend to have heavier clutches to deal with the high torque?

I just wondered how other C5 Hdi owners found the clutch on their cars.

A quick internet search seems to suggest that the clutch cable can sometimes be the problem and that a new clutch cable (not an expensive fix I'm guessing?) can often help considerably...any thoughts?

[citroenxm]

An 2007 1600 HDi should be a Hydraulic Operated clutch, souds like there COULD be a possibly premature DMF failure there...

Im no expert on the later cars though...

Paul

[Sid_the_Squid]

Don't know about your specific model but my '02 C5 has a fairly soft clutch, softer than any of my manual Xantia's even the HDi.

[lucklesspedestrian]

Sorry, just realised I used the word 'stiff' in the topic heading. I think 'heavy' is more accurate, just like pushing against fairly strong springs.

Thanks for the replies so far.

[Citroenmad]

None of the C5s ive driven have had a stiff clutch, it should be light.

I think you said previously you had a warranty with the car?

Id take it back and explain that you think the clutch is heavy, you never know, they might look into it for you.

[HDI Dave]

1.) I'm guessing that diesels tend to have heavier clutches to deal with the high torque?


2.) A quick internet search seems to suggest that the clutch cable can sometimes be the problem and that a new clutch cable (not an expensive fix I'm guessing?) can often help considerably...any thoughts?

1.) In my experience,in a word, no. I've driven HGV Class 1's (hydraulic clutches),with far lighter clutches than even small diesel cars.

2.) Yes, if it is a cable clutch, this could be your problem..worn,frayed,dry etc..

As above, (as Paul states), I'd have thought it would be hydraulic.

In my opinion, it's unlikely to be the hydraulic side, sounds like something is 'letting go'
same as my Hdi hydraulic clutch, worked perfectly, went stiff, then BANG!
Either way, I'm no expert, * but when I rectified it, tmy clutch is now as light as a feather,on a diesel,better than a petrol clutch I'm led to believe.

* I think member Flyingclutchman is your man

[falling-out-with-my-car]

My 2007 2.0l hdi is at 91k and the pedal is easy to push light as small engined car.

[411514]

The clutch on my 2003 2.0 HDi is significantly heavier than hat of my partners 1.6 petrol C4 (possibly needing twice the force to depress pedal). Mine has always been that heavy, and the weight was unchanged even when I changed the clutch and DMF, so doesn't appear to be a fault. Unusually however it is probably a bit lighter than the clutch I had on a 1.4 petrol Xsara (cable operated).

I personally wouldn't be overly concerned by the weight of the clutch. So long as it is smooth to actuate and clutch bite is relatively progressive it is likely fine - as you say 'weight' is relatively subjective, and my experience is that all cars have different weight clutches.

[Gibbo2286]

I wonder if your problem is at the clutch pedal, on the C5 it has a helper spring to make the load lighter, if that is missing or broken you will not have that effect. See item 8 on the picture.