Hi guys, First post here I usually hang around puntouk but since i just got the GF a cinq to learn to drive in, thought i'd join up here.

Anyways, bought it last week from a fella, had a look at it while i was there and all seemed ok... engine tapping a little and pedals are stiff but still runs great - fine for a little learner car.
Now I've been driving it a week, I'm gonna have to do something about this clutch. The biting point is right up at the top of the pedal travel and the pedal itself is so hard to press its like driving it on kangaroo juice setting off from junctions- not really ideal for a learner to practice in.
The fella i bought it from said he'd had the clutch replaced a few months ago... it doesnt slip at all and he was like 60 and seemed pretty genuine so i reckon he aint lying about that.
I think it might need a new clutch cable- may have water in and rusted, but before i start poking around and replacing bits, anyone any other advice on what to look out for? is this a common problem?

Sounds like the release bearing is faulty. This is a common Cinq problem and usually requires taking the gearbox off and replacing it and at which point you might as well do the clutch too. If you carry on leaving it you will just start going through loads of clutch cables. If it has been replaced recently I would say it has been icorrectly adjusted and they didnt put any lube on the stub that the bearing slides on- which is still a gearbox off job to do. You didnt say if its a 900 or a sporting but the sporting is the one this happens to the most.

You can adjust the biting point in the engine bay, if its biting at the top, slacken the nut off a bit i think

the stiffness may be down to the adjustment...i doubt it will be the cable personally....but if a monkey changed the clutch, it may not have been done properly and may need attention.

Kristian

wow that was fast lol

its a 900... really hoping u wernt gonna say that tho lol, guess i might aswell give the cable a go first, it'd be so much easier if it is *fingers crossed*

Ah, not that clued about 899cc's but still try adjusting the cable before replacement. Open the bonnet, it should be on the left hand side, near the gearbox, a threaded rod with a nut on that is attached to a cable. Just move the nut further back.

It could even be an incorrectly routed cable!

Kristian

HAVE HEARD ON THIS SITE PEOPLE TALK ABOUT CLUTCH CABLES GIVING TROUBLE.wHILE i HAVE HAD NO EXPERIRNCE WITH THIS ON CINQ'S,I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT A STIFF CLUTCH USUALLY POINTS TO A PRESSURE PLATE.wHEN SOME PEOPLE CHANGE THE CLUTCH THEY ONLY REPLACE THE CLUTCH PLATE,LEAVING THE OLD RELEASE BEARING{OILING IT UP IF YOUR LUCKY]AND REFITING THE OLD PRESSURE PLATE WHICH HAS GOT A HARDENED UP SPRING SECTION FROM ALL THE HEAT GOING THROUGH IT [SLIPPING CLUTCH ETC]YOUR USUALLY CHARGED FOR A NEW CLUTCH KIT BUT YOU'VE ONLY GOT POSSIBLY A RECONDITIONED PLATE THAT COST 20 QUID.PERSONALY ID LET THE CABLE GO AT THE BOX,WHILE HOLDING THIS END HAVE SOMEONE PRESS PEDAL & CHECK THE MOVEMENT.

Also lubricate the clutch pedal shaft, and the release bearing shaft.

Cheers

D

Ok i had a look at it today and adjusted the cable so the biting point is better. While i was there i had the cable removed from the clutch arm bit and tested the cable and pedal for movement which is fine... not stiffness there at all. but to move the arm back i had to use a prying bar as it was a pain to move so i guess that narrows it down a bit?