BX - stiff gear change

[Junkman]

Hello all,

I did a forum search, honestly, but nothing suitable came up...

Since yesterday, I am the proud owner of a K-reg Citroen BX TXD Break with 190000 mls on the stopwatch.
The car seems to be OK, only two owners and a service history file as thick as the Bible.

The only thing I find seriously wrong with it is that the gearchange is very, very stiff, i.e. this can't be normal.
Before I start to dismantle and break everything, I just wanted to ask whether this is a known problem, and whether somebody knows the remedy.
If it is merely a lack of lubrication (I haven't even checked yet, whether the change is via cables or rods), where would be the lubrication points?

Cheers

[addo]

Is the gearchange stiff with the motor off?

[Junkman]

Good question

I'll check tonight when I'm back home and let you know.

Cheers

[citronut]

BX's have rod linkage no cables, first thing i would check is clutch adjustment to make sure its fully disengaging with the pedal down

[Mothman]

I reccon its lubrication of the linkages bud.
Get underneath and spray a little oil around and see if that helps. If not ime sure Malcolm will come up with a better idea. He is the master as per BXs n Xantias n any other older Citroens as far as ime concerned[no disrespect to other masters]
Andy

[Junkman]

Thanks for your responses, I will check all of this.

However, I noticed today, that it actually helps a lot when you press the clutch pedal all the way down
I wore different shoes this evening and the problem went away completely.
So French. Designed for men wearing deck loafers...

[citronut]

However, I noticed today, that it actually helps a lot when you press the clutch pedal all the way down

so have you adjusted the clutch now

I wore different shoes this evening and the problem went away completely.

that why it is best not to wear those stilettos whilst driving

[CitroJim]

Ahh, the clutch. Yes.

I often have this problem when initially getting back in the Activa after driving the other two for any length of time. they're both automatics.

I've even been known to try to engage first gear whilst pressing on the brake pedal

[Junkman]

Same here. All my other cars are automatics and the Bixe is my first manual in years.
You have to press the clutch pedal right into the carpet for the shifts to go smooth and this is only possible with shoes having a flexible sole.
When I first drove the car, I wore engineer boots and with those it's not possible to press the pedal all the way down, unless you use the tip only, a bit awkward.
Anyway, for my taste you have to press it too far down so I will see next weekend whether I can tighten the clutch a bit.

[CitroJim]

The clutch should disengage about half-way down on a BE3. It'll be worth checking it's properly adjusted as those had manual adjustment courtesy of a nut and washer on the gearbox end of the clutch cable...

I'm not sure if it's so on the BX but on many otters a good rule of thumb is the clutch pedal should sit about 6 inches above the carpet at rest and the cable is adjusted to achieve that...

[Junkman]

The clutch pedal sits at the right level, alright. It's at the same level as the brake pedal.
I'd be happy if the clutch would fully disengage just an inch or so sooner than it does now. I'll look after it next weekend.
On the other hand, it's probably just a matter of getting used to it as is. Mind you, there isn't really anything wrong with it.
It was a user error.

[flying clutchman]

strangely enough I think you've answered your own question without realising it. The clutch pedal should sit higher than the brake pedal! Be aware thouigh that bx's used to suffer with the clutch cable retaining bracket splitting away from the pedal box. I believe these were strengthened on later models, but I'm not sure the problem was totally eradicated. Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on your point of view) I haven't laid my delicate hands on a BX for many years now, but back in the day the pedal box problem was quite prevalent..

[citronut]

! Be aware thouigh that bx's used to suffer with the clutch cable retaining bracket splitting away from the pedal box. I believe these were strengthened on later models,

they were after i was let loos with my mig welder

but I'm not sure the problem was totally eradicated.

again after i was let loos with my mig welder

[Junkman]

strangely enough I think you've answered your own question without realising it. The clutch pedal should sit higher than the brake pedal! Be aware thouigh that bx's used to suffer with the clutch cable retaining bracket splitting away from the pedal box. I believe these were strengthened on later models, but I'm not sure the problem was totally eradicated. Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on your point of view) I haven't laid my delicate hands on a BX for many years now, but back in the day the pedal box problem was quite prevalent..

Apparently it has lasted for 190k miles so far, hence I'm as of yet strangely slightly concerned it may break now. I'm fully aware of how badly this attitude can backfire though...

How much higher than the brake pedal should the clutch pedal be?

[RichardW]

About 3" - the total clutch pedal travel should be just under 6" IIRC.