Rattly Clutch

[CitroJim]

Just wanting opinions on my diagnosis...

Rattiva II has a distinct rattle from the clutch/gearbox when in neutral and idling; pushing down the clutch stops the rattle instantly, as does revving the engine to just above idle when the clutch is up.

The gearbox is absolutely perfect in use. It's smooth, synchros are fine and not the slightest hint of a noise or rattle in any gear when under way...

Similarly, although a tad high as most hydraulic clutches are, the clutch is absolutely perfect in use.

My thoughts are that one or more of the springs might be loose/broken in the clutch driven plate. This is reinforced by the takeup occasionally feeling a little bit on/off in character...

Does this seem a reasonable diagnosis?

It's only really become audible since I swapped the alternator and cured the whining noise that somewhat masked it before

I'm not overly bothered about it as there's no indication it's a showstopper...

[DickieG]

Turn the radio up.

[addo]

Not the clutch fork?

[CitroJim]

Turn the radio up.

I also find the noise is totally absent when the engine is stopped too...

[CitroJim]

Not the clutch fork?

No, don't think so because the rattle continues with gentle pressure on the pedal which if it was the fork it would then hold it tight and stop the rattle.

[Xaccers]

Jim, Cassy's old clutch did the same so maybe look at that for ideas?

[CitroJim]

Jim, Cassy's old clutch did the same so maybe look at that for ideas?

Ahh, too late now, it's on it's way to China to become a cheap set of spanners

I noted the springs in the middle of the driven plate on the Valeo were much meatier than those in the old Transmech...

I'm wondering if Rattiva II has had a 'budget' clutch fitted at some time in her life... I'd be amazed if the original has done over 200K but then if it has then it has a right to be a bit rattly by now

[DickieG]

Do they have a spigot bearing in the end of the crankshaft? If so it could be worn after all those miles, I've been looking for one on Citroen Service but can't find it.

[robert_e_smart]

Release bearing?

You should stick to Autos Jim!

[Gregg1100]

Would have thought it was the thrust bearing myself, Jim. Touch the clutch pedal a bit and noise goes, release it, and it rattles again. Either way, it's a gearbox out job, or as someone said, turn up the radio.

[handyman]

Jim, its the pressure plate sprung 'fingers' on the way out. Very shortly, you will experience the sickening feeling as the clutch pedal goes to the floor with no pressure and a distinct lack of clutch!

The clutch centre bearing literally pulls itself through pressure plate. It was a well known problem for Citroen with early Activas achieving very low miles before the clutch gave out. They introduced a newer modified clutch in the later Mk1s and Mk2s to overcome the problem. Not sure that the pattern parts makers incorporated the mods though.

I've done a few of these clutches now and everyone was the same, with the same telltale symptoms of a rattly centre bearing, shortly followed by an inoperative clutch. I would suggest fix now before it collapses completely, otherwise that gives you the headache of repairing the clutch hydraulic system as well.

H

[electronmirror]

Jim,

I had exactly the same symtoms when I bought my Hdi in 2003. Complete clutch replaced (under warranty thankfully !).

It was the thrust bearing. I've still got it somewhere in the garage, will have a look in the morning and check if there was a visible problem, can't remember now, it was 8 years and 96k miles ago.

The replacement clutch was a Valeo unit and is still ok.

Ted

P.S. G6IJK, not very active these days

[CitroJim]

Thanks all Oh well, time to get the spanners out again then...

New clutch on order. ECP are doing a good deal on Valeo ones at the moment...

I've done enough 1.9TD ones but this will be my first 110 HDi hydraulic with the engine in the car. I've done one with the engine out in the past...

Any tips, advice?

[Xaccers]

Invite a friend to help and put the kettle on.
When do you want to do it?

[robert_e_smart]

Thats the spirit Xac, get stuck in and do it! I like that attitude.