Skyperr said:

I got new Qh clutch kit fitted to my Stilo 1.2 approx 18 months ago and has covered around 12,000 miles since. Around 6 months ago, the release bearing started squealing and squeaking when the clutch was pressed but didn't get any worse.

Two weeks ago, my car got bogged down in mud and I rode the clutch pretty hard trying to get out. In the end, I gave up and had to be towed out. In the last few days, I've noticed that gearshifts have become very notchy and sometimes the stick really has to be pushed home quite hard. The clutch now bites with the pedal just lifted very slightly off the floor. A check on the slave cylinder and the fluid show all is fine. The piston ejects as soon as the pedal is pressed and moves progressively till the pedal hits the floor. The gear shift is fine with the engine stopped, and there's plenty of oil in the box. It looks like the clutch is not fully disengaging with the pedal fully depressed.

I'm wondering if trying to get the car out of the mud has damaged the pressure plate or release bearing in some way. Anyone any thoughts ??

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Ralf S. said:

It's inevitably taken some damage.

I dunno whether the friction plate has been worn.... but usually the plate either wears out (unlikely in 12,000 miles) or it can warp if you abuse it.

Either way the clutch would slip or judder respectively which you aren't reporting.

My guess is that the release bearing has collapsed internally or it has worn/damaged the clutch plate fingers (again, unlikely at such a low mileage) and is not moving as it should.

The only way to solve it is to whip the gearbox off and take a look.

I'd buy a new release bearing to save time when you discover it is knackered.

Generally you should always replace the clutch and the release bearing together (it's worth the small extra expense) since it saves you messing about. This time (given your clutch is pretty new) just go with a new bearing.


Ralf S.

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