Technical Trouble changing gears (minor annoyance)

[derekos82]

Hi guys,
This isnt a biggy, however i was wondering if anyone has a quick fix. I have a 98 Punto ELX 8.5 MK1

Sometimes when lets say i stop in traffic and put it in neutral, when the lights go green, when I fully depress the clutch and try to get it into first, it stops just short of dropping in. What I have found I can do is slightly lift my foot, so not fully depressed and it then slots in. This is an example, it happens randomly and really isnt a huge nuisance but if there was an easy fix, would be great. Another way around it is by engaging second (foot fully depressed works) then shifting up into first. it happens mostly when engaging first, rarely if at all for second, hard to remember. but never when in gears 3rd upwards.

anyone?

 

[s and b]

yep the clutch is overthrowing due to wear
you should actually feel the pedal get harder at the last 2 inches before pedal reaches floor

 

[DaveMcT]

On a Punto it's a classic sign of worn out clutch. Dont be tempted to put up with it because you are now stressing the gearbox mechanism on every gear shift.

While it is out of the car to hace the new clutch fitted, make sure the gearbox input bearing is checked for wear. Any slack whatsoever means its worn out and must be replaced. If in doubt replace the bearing anyway because when they fail they ruin the clutch with oil and can damage the gearbox internals.

Google is your friend
http://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourc....2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1022&bih=483

http://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourc...e03f7fca02f63a1&ix=heb&ion=1&biw=1022&bih=539

 

[derekos82]

it just passed an MOT (council one), should it of shown up as defect?

pedal feels fine btw

 

[AndyRKett]

Clutch is not assessed on MOT