Bravo (Classic) 2001 Fiat Bravo 1.2 16V Formula - High Biting Point

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Bravo (Classic) 2001 Fiat Bravo 1.2 16V Formula - High Biting Point

sammy86

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Hello,

Hope everyone is well.

This past week I've purchased a lovely 2001 Fiat Bravo Formula SX 1.2. The car is in immaculate condition. Has only 2 previous owners, the last of which was an elderly lady who had the car for over 10 years. 67k on the clock. There are only 150ish of these models taxed in the UK.

The problem I have is that the clutch / biting point is ridiculously high. I’ve been trying to get used to it, but I just can’t, and am often stalling. This morning at the biggest roundabout in the area, during rush hour!

I've been trying to do some research, but not finding much. Some research suggested it's possibly got a hydraulic clutch, which are always high, and if it does, it’s not possible to adjust the biting point?

I've owned Punto's and Seicento's in the past and haven't had a single problem with them, which made me decide to stick with Fiat, but this is driving my crazy and I'm not enjoying my new car!

The car was serviced and MOT'd upon purchase, and really is in great condition. I don't believe there is a problem with the clutch, merely it's just got a high biting point.

I'm not a car person, so anything I need to do will need to be done by a mechanic.

I will of course keep trying to get used to it, but just wonder if it is possible to get a fairly normal biting point.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Hi, and welcome,
pretty sure it HAS got a hydrailic clutch, check the fluid level + colour.!
1 worthwhile thing would be to get the fluid bled + changed for the clutch ( and brakes at same time..??)

you CAN have issues with low fluid giving a higher pedal( or in our case no pedal at all = demolished wall..!!),
Charlie - Oxford
 
Its been a while since I had a first generation bravo but from memory on mine a 98 1.8 hlx the clutch was hydraulic and it shared the same fluid as the brakes so both systems need to be bled at the same time.
I don't remember the bite point being particularly high on mine.
 
Might be worth checking as 75% sure the X reg (Sep 2000) Bravo 1.2 16V Formula I had was a cable clutch setup.

I didn't get a chance to check last night, but this sounds promising. Mine is also X reg.
I'll keep you posted. Thanks!
 
Actually, before I try and check, perhaps someone could tell me the easiest way to tell if it's got a hydraulic clutch or cable clutch? Thanks!
 
If it's that age and an "unused" old lady car then you really should be doing a complete fluid change as a matter of course, unless service records say otherwise...

Brake and clutch hydraulic fluid ( yes it's a shared system with Hydraulic clutch... often gives simple-to-fix clutch problems), gearbox oil, and very importantly coolant (system should be flushed too).

My similar Bravo has had the clutch slave cylinder done at least once, they are almost a consumable item (and suffer from lack of use... think the seals stick and then tear). Clutch action should feel completely normal.

J
 
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