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Technical Stiff clutch - 1.1 2006 with clutch cable

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Technical Stiff clutch - 1.1 2006 with clutch cable

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Wasgehabendas

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Hi guys,

I have a Fiat Panda 1.1 2006 with a clutch cable. Clutch pedal has become stiff for the past 10 000 km. Sometimes, but not often, it won't go into 1st or reverse and then if you want to put it in the first gear you have to go into reverse. Same goes for the reverse, you need to put it in the first gear then select reverse. Some say it is normal.

Gears are hard to select on cold starts. It needs some 10-15 driving and then it goes smoothly.

Is it normal for clutch to last only 85 000 km on this model? Most of the ride is throughout city.

Is clutch worn out? I am afraid that clutch cable may snap because of the hard clutch. What do you think?
 
Last edited:
A clutch can be worn out in 30,000 miles of town crawling or it could go beyong 100,000. The friction plate can be ok but the pressure plate fails and vice-versa.

Hard to select first and reverse are signs so yours does sound like a worn clutch. Signs are -

  • Heavy pedal action perhaps with a two stage feel
  • release happening at the floor
  • not clearing properly
  • feels like pushing the pedal is bending metal.
Selecting 2nd then going through to first can be easier than forcing it into first. But unless you are good at revs matching a worn clutch gives the gearbox a hard time especially into first gear and on downshifts..

As discussed on another thread, it could be the hydraulics. If bleeding the system helps but it goes off again quite soon, you will need new master and slave cylinders. It's false economy to change just one end as both will be worn. Make sure mechanic fits the new pipes which come with the master and slave cyls. LuK brand make the OEM parts.

If the clutch fails a bit later, no worries as a new clutch is 10x better with new hydraulics.

When clutch is changed, make sure the release arm is checked. Excessive force on the pedal can bend it.
 
DaveMcT said:
A clutch can be worn out in 30,000 miles of town crawling or it could go beyong 100,000. The friction plate can be ok but the pressure plate fails and vice-versa.

Hard to select first and reverse are signs so yours does sound like a worn clutch. Signs are -

  • Heavy pedal action perhaps with a two stage feel
  • release happening at the floor
  • not clearing properly
  • feels like pushing the pedal is bending metal.
Selecting 2nd then going through to first can be easier than forcing it into first. But unless you are good at revs matching a worn clutch gives the gearbox a hard time especially into first gear and on downshifts..

As discussed on another thread, it could be the hydraulics. If bleeding the system helps but it goes off again quite soon, you will need new master and slave cylinders. It's false economy to change just one end as both will be worn. Make sure mechanic fits the new pipes which come with the master and slave cyls. LuK brand make the OEM parts.

If the clutch fails a bit later, no worries as a new clutch is 10x better with new hydraulics.

When clutch is changed, make sure the release arm is checked. Excessive force on the pedal can bend it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for replying back!

  • Heavy pedal action perhaps with a two stage feel - yes
  • release happening at the floor - it happens in the middle
  • not clearing properly - not sure what it means
  • feels like pushing the pedal is bending metal. - something like that i guess

You mentioned hydraulics but it has a clutch cable. As far as i know it doesn't have a master or slave cylinders. Or I am wrong?

How strong is the clutch cable?
 
Sorry for being parochial. UK cars have a hydraulic system to release the clutch. Left hand drive cars use a more reliable cable system. Please ignore all my chatter about bleeding hydraulics.

The two stage pedal feel could be due to the pressure plate spring is being pushed too far. But could also be wear in the pressure plate causing a delayed or notchy action. Mine did that and cost me for a new clutch even though the old one was not fully worn out.

I would suggest examine the clutch cable carefully and replace if in doubt. They are not expensive.
 
DaveMcT said:
Sorry for being parochial. UK cars have a hydraulic system to release the clutch. Left hand drive cars use a more reliable cable system. Please ignore all my chatter about bleeding hydraulics.

The two stage pedal feel could be due to the pressure plate spring is being pushed too far. But could also be wear in the pressure plate causing a delayed or notchy action. Mine did that and cost me for a new clutch even though the old one was not fully worn out.

I would suggest examine the clutch cable carefully and replace if in doubt. They are not expensive.
Click to expand...

Don't worry Dave it is fine :D

I was told that pressure plate has been worn out. How can I check or test that pressure plate is bad?

Also how can i see that clutch cable is the problem?
 
The pressure plate failed on my car, but the pedal action was ok but drive connected with a delay after lifting the clutch. Wheel spins were not uncommon and at other times I struggled to engage the gears.


The clutch cable is very low cost so why not change it and see if it helps. If the problems continue, you will know it is the clutch and it's good to fit a new cable with a new clutch.
 
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