how long should it take for a machanic to replace a clutch

[dodge]

how long should it take for a good mechanic to replace a clutch on a 1999xantia 110 hdi lx w reg
just new to this forum so still feeling my way, but love my car which has only done 85000 mls ( genuine ! )

[CitroJim]

Having done this job a couple of times, if he is good he'll take around 6 hours... Maybe five at best.

It's not the easiest clutch in the world and great care is needed when manipulating the slave cylinder and homing the release bearing. Space is tight too and the gearbox is big and heavy.

An LX will be a little easier as it does not have Erberspacher auxiliary heater piping in the way.

[rory_perrett]

Autodata gives a repair time of 8hrs for the clutch. However it depends on where you take it, the 1.9td is quoted as time of 7hrs but when I got Mr Clutch to do one for me I had the car back in less than 3 1/2 hrs. OK they could of had 2 or 3 people on it but I doubt it, they are just well practiced and expert at it.

As said, on the HDi the box is big and heavy and there's not much space and lots of stiff in the way. Without a lift and a gearbox jack its not going to be fun, and at some stage in very near future I'm going to have to have to do the job. Slightest pressure on the clutch pedal and mine starts slipping although its not slipping in normal use and I've been lugging a 1.5 tonne trailer around quite a bit lately. The questionis will pride let me pay someone else to do it - probably not!!!

Just noticed the mileage on your car, so you are still running it in, seems very low miles for needing a new clutch. I know there can be a massive difference in clutch wear depending on driving style and use of the car but I changed the clutch in my 2.1td (same clutch and gearbox as HDi) at 190,000 miles, and it didn't really need it but I just did it as I had the engine and gearbox out. Current HDi is still on the orginal clutch at 309,000 miles although I know (see above) I'm well into borrowed time and not being kind to the old girl at the moment.

[Hell Razor5543]

I agree that the clutch isn't likely to be on its' way out. Xantias don't normally wear their clutches out that quickly (IIRC there are members with over 200,000 miles on original clutches). However, I would be inclined to get the timing belt kit changed, with the water pump (they tend to start leaking if they are disturbed), and the auxiliary belt kit changed as well (this has to come off anyway to replace the timing belt).

Look after that car. The HDi engines are very definitely a forum favourite, long lasting, very reliable, easy to maintain and virtually bomb proof.

[citroenxm]

6 hours jim.. whats your mechanic or you on for that super time.

these boxs ARE bloody heavy and there is very very little space to move about in. Id say nearer 10.. ive done three or four and fan never get the box back on by myself.. they are damm heavy.

Just because its an lx doesnt mean its without the eber wassit heater. Mines a t plate exclusive and thank god I aint got it in mine.

[CitroJim]

6 hours jim.. whats your mechanic or you on for that super time.

Team WFA Times Paul

However you look at it, it is going to take a good day and that is about 6 hours after tea and lunch stops.

[citroenxm]

Ahh well thats cheating.. it takes me on my own a day to do it.. with just one helper to get the box back on..

[dodge]

Many thanks to all of you for the info !

[Rhothgar]

110HDi is 6.7 hours in my mate's MAM software. Checked this in Friday after he tuned it and extra power reminded that car had a slipping problem. Just hope we make it to Austria and back.

[Rhothgar]

You could try this as I rescued my HDi from scrapyard when I bought it with 162,000 miles on and Jim will vouch for this technique as he told me.

Find a good straight A road and get up to about 50mph. Dip clutch, revved high (assuming cambelt has been shown to be replaced recently) and flick your foot of the clutch.

Do this as many times as needed as it eases the springs up on the clutch plate as they can become stiff.

It cured mine and am on 177k now but just had mine tuned and it has started slipping again!!

[citroenxm]

The 110 clutchs are renowned for slipping one day then not the next. I dont think its wholely a clutch spring problem but possibly a dust build up as theres little vent grills or holes for dust to escape...

my hdi slipped at 186k then stopped and even towed my car trailer with a car on it but it then went on after a few days of slipping to run to 198k in which then the clutch release bearing then colapsed.. pull clutch release bearings are a massive weakness on them and fail a lot..

[Rhothgar]

Yes Paul. Jim did mention dust build up but I don't know how this related to the springs?

[citroenxm]

It doesn't but buildup between clutch and flywheel of dust will cause a slip is what I was getting at..