I have noticed over the last couple of days that my clutch has felt a bit funny.
Funny in a way that when i have been changing gear, the pedal is vibrating, not violently but its noticeable. And when pulling away the same sensation through the pedal.
The clutch also whines when the pedal is pressed down but only when cold (suggesting thrust bearing)?

However I was sat in traffic with my foot on the clutch in 1st gear (not biting) and all of a sudden the clutch pedal started vibrating and the car was trying to pull away and then stalled but my foot was still pressed down on the clutch. (Luckily i had the handbrake on) After it stalled it was stuck in gear with the clutch also stuck fully to the floor! I managed to pull the clutch up and get it out of gear and drive to my destination. But it did it again when i stopped as i wanted to see if it was a one off, which it wasn't.

I dont know a lot about clutches so does anyone have any ideas of what this could be?!
I know it is not going to be cheap.

Thanks in advance,
Luke.

Sounds same as mine it's the clutch
Buy a clutch kit off eBay make sure it has the thrust bearing with it that's what I did but I got a updated clutch so will last longer lol

Where did you get an uprated clutch from?

Release bearing

TJet180 said:

Where did you get an uprated clutch from?

Release bearing

Click to expand...

This!

Ive trawled the web for hours and never found anything

TJet180 said:

Ive trawled the web for hours and never found anything

Click to expand...

Exactly. Maybe he doesnt have a t jet?

Mines the mjet mate and the people that did it made it all up for me mate

Sounds like the diaphragm spring fingers are so worn that some may have broken and the release bearing is jamming in them. In the red circle in the attached pic. This is one large spring plate, split at the ends. The release bearing pushes against the ends of these fingers. Whilst the bearing rotates to reduce wear, some does occur. If the clutch has spent a lot of time at rest with the foot on the pedal, wear will be greater.

Needs a new clutch, all three bits and all should be well. Would be worth checking the release arm pivots while its out to ensure the bearing is square and central to the clutch cover.

portland_bill said:

Sounds like the diaphragm spring fingers are so worn that some may have broken and the release bearing is jamming in them. In the red circle in the attached pic. This is one large spring plate, split at the ends. The release bearing pushes against the ends of these fingers. Whilst the bearing rotates to reduce wear, some does occur. If the clutch has spent a lot of time at rest with the foot on the pedal, wear will be greater.

Needs a new clutch, all three bits and all should be well. Would be worth checking the release arm pivots while its out to ensure the bearing is square and central to the clutch cover.

Click to expand...

Could you recommend a garage that would do the work and not rip me off?!
And would they check that the release arm pivots while its out to ensure the bearing is square?!
I've had someone tell me to bleed the system but I think its past this?

Thanks Bill, you're post has been very informative.

Don't know any garages in your area. Look for a small local independent garage, especially ones that don't advertise much. See where friends and neighbours go and get feedback.

Talk to them, give them your symptoms and see what they say. Ask about the pivot arm. Their replies should guide you.

A system leak, now requiring bleeding, is unlikely from your "vibration" description. Have a look at the reservoir, see if any fluid has been lost.
Under the bonnet, you should be able to see the clutch release arm. Get someone to push the pedal and see what it does.

This link will show you what we're talking about. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLUTCH-AR...e:Fiat|Model:Grande+Punto&hash=item27cf5d8e34

portland_bill said:

Don't know any garages in your area. Look for a small local independent garage, especially ones that don't advertise much. See where friends and neighbours go and get feedback.

Talk to them, give them your symptoms and see what they say. Ask about the pivot arm. Their replies should guide you.

A system leak, now requiring bleeding, is unlikely from your "vibration" description. Have a look at the reservoir, see if any fluid has been lost.
Under the bonnet, you should be able to see the clutch release arm. Get someone to push the pedal and see what it does.

This link will show you what we're talking about. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLUTCH-ARM-FORK-AND-BUSHES-FIAT-PUNTO-BRAVA-BRAVO-PANDA-IDEA-STILO-/170982739508?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Car+Make%3AFiat|Model%3AGrande+Punto&hash=item27cf5d8e34

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I have a few small local independents around that I will use for small jobs but never had any massive work carried out by them, only had it done by specialists!
I will be taking the car to one very good garage on Monday (providing he is open) and see what he says.

Yes, the vibrating happens around the biting point when changing gear and pulling away, like I said it is not violent or anything.

I got a quote for the clutch and CSC from Mr Clutch for £585 fitted.
Is that good?

Cheers again.

TangoMachine91 said:

Mines the mjet mate and the people that did it made it all up for me mate

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Where i need one!

Its a place in donny that mainly does work on diesels ill try find the recipt and let u no what its called

Ive got a derv

Cant find any custom clutch places through google

Sorry to Hijack! But does anyone know if the Abrath clutch can fit and if so is it better than the T-Jets?

Following a PM, further thoughts. Hopefully others will contribute.

If this is a T-jet, it may have a concentric slave cylinder and bearing unit. Less likely to fail, but expensive when it does. (See pic) Item 1 is Pt.No. 55243919 about £120

Do the models with concentric slave also have a dual-mass flywheel? If so, if this is failing vibration could be a result.

Whatever the problem, will need gearbox out to diagnose flywheel, clutch and slave.

portland_bill said:

Following a PM, further thoughts. Hopefully others will contribute.

If this is a T-jet, it may have a concentric slave cylinder and bearing unit. Less likely to fail, but expensive when it does. (See pic) Item 1 is Pt.No. 55243919 about £120

Do the models with concentric slave also have a dual-mass flywheel? If so, if this is failing vibration could be a result.

Whatever the problem, will need gearbox out to diagnose flywheel, clutch and slave.

Click to expand...

As said via pm its definitely concentric, I'm going to replace the clutch, dual mass and slave cylinder as it makes sense whilst the box is off to do so!

Again Nigel, thank you for your contributions, you have been very helpful.
I will report back when it is fixed and let everyone know exactly what part/s has failed!

Thanks for everyones input.

Luke.

Get one of those non existent uprated clutches

Just an update portland_bill the concentric slave oil seal had failed and was letting oil into the bell housing! And onto the clutch


So cleaned the bell housing out, new dual mass, new clutch assembly and concentric slave and hopefully all shall be well!
Its not 100% finished yet though.