Hi forumites, just developed a problem with my clutch this week.

On fully depressing, and holding, the clutch I get a 'squeal' (sounds similar to a car with a loose fan belt) and is only audible at low speeds - driving along dual carriageway there doesn't appear to be a problem....

Today (Saturday) it became less audible, but now, this afternoon the gear change has become 'heavy' moving it through the box.

Apart from this there's been no change in the performance of the car, no gearbox slipping etc. and still returning 45+ mpg on a long run ...


Any ideas ?

btw 52 plate, and 134,000 miles on the clock ...

Thanks

Sorry to be depressing but that sounds like a seizing clutch release bearing. If it is then it will worsen rapidly and the bearing outer will cut through the clutch spring fingers and then you will have no gear selection at all

See the spring fingers? The bearing will just grind it's way through them in no time just like you see here
If you hear a ping sort of spring sound when you use the clutch in and out with engine off then that is the bearing jumping over the groove it's worn into the fingers

I'd start ringing around now for quotes for a new clutch assembly which will be new clutch and bearing of course. Quite a big job so looking at a half days work in a garage but the clutch will be much better feeling afterwards

TIP
Renew the gearbox oil whilst the gearbox is out

Thanks Decks, looks like I'm going to have to go begging to the bank manager Good job it's payday on Friday.

Have you any idea of a ballpark figure for the parts ?

I've got a tame garage locally who should be able to sort me out.

Cheers,

Beedge

Have a look in shop4parts for the latest prices

Get a second opinion though on the clutch problem before opening your wallet

Deckchair5 said:

Have a look in shop4parts for the latest prices

Get a second opinion though on the clutch problem before opening your wallet

Click to expand...

Yep, best part of £100 for a kit - been googling as well....

Ringing the garage in the morning .......

Still 134k on the clock - the car's been fantastic, only major issues have been a coil pack and dead battery (code) problems - and owes me nothing

Yes the 1.2 engine is superb. Don't let it ever overheat through lack of water and carry on driving though otherwise the head gasket suffers every time, always carry emergency water for you and your engine

And don't drive the 1.2 though a flood...they really don't like that...

...not that I'm suggesting any car would...3 con rods and all the piston rings on my beloved 1.2.

Well it's going to be 3.8 hours of labour -£190 - plus approx £100 for the clutch kit (plus vat) -

£350 up the swanny


Well I've never had any overheating problems - I travel approx 120 miles, three to four times a week for work - mostly dual carriageway, so there's actually little strain on the motor, on the gearbox or brake system either - easy motoring - much better than urban commuting So the car's been extremely reliable up to now - famous last words ..........

tbh that looks pretty reasonable, £350 fitted, is that inclusive of vat?, most garages dont quote inclusive so be carefull.
roy