Hey Guys

Recently my clutch has been making a kind of "zippy/creeking" noise when it is pushed in - I took the car for a MoT today which it passed so I guess that is isn't a problem as it wasn't picked up.

The car is a X reg Punto so I expect it to show its age - but as this noise has just suddenly started to happen (over the last 2-3 weeks) I was just wondering if its anything to worry about and if there is an easy fix?

Cheers

Lee

clutch isnt part of the mot

As Dave says its not an MOT item.

When was the car last serviced?

Its possible its the start of the release bearing breaking up.

Has it had a clutch before?

Cheers

SPD

Ah, I didn't know that the clutch wasn't included in the MoT

The car had it last service around 4-5 months ago and as far as I know the clutch hasn't been replaced.

If the noise is coming from under the bonnet then your clutch relase bearing is wearing it's way through the clutch cover. Simple fix, change the clutch. Cost you about £200-£250 to get done if you're not a diy man.

Thanks for the reply guys.. Ill look into sorting the problem out

With assistance if necessary, determine where the noise is coming from. Test with engine running, box in neutral. Listen for dfferent noises with pedal depressed compared with not depressed. It could, for instance, be squeaky return spring at pedal. More likely though are the clutch components. The release bearing starts to seize and wears into the tips of the fingers of the pressure plate, rather than simply pressing them. When one or more finger tip breaks off, you start to get clicking noises. Aside of noise, another symptom is that it gets harder to depress the pedal. If that's what's occurring, the ultimate consequence is complete clutch failure - not good if you are far from home.

If you suspect the clutch and/or release bearing and are OK with DIY, you could drop the gearbox off to have a look before buying a new clutch kit. I've done a couple in the past few years (a Mk2 then a Mk1). Both times the pressure plate was well damaged by the release bearing. Both times the clutch kit cost me no more than £50 from a local discount spares shop.

If you're tempted to save a wad and do it yourself, see my guide on this forum for how to do it.

red.

If the pressure plate shows wear and tear is a sign that hidraulic components of clutch are not working as they should. Either the clutch pump or clutch cylinder is broken or the system is not bleeded well. I had a clutch replacement caused by totally wear of clutch disc an the plate had absolutly no wearing sign, although the kit was in use more than 3 years. Then, with a new Sachs clutch kit, I had the pressure plate worn a lot, I post a pic with it, and it was so in less than 1 year due to the fact that I did not do complete bleeding after installing new clutch pump.
Regarding the noise coming from clutch, I recently discovered a simpler to fix part were it came from. After installing a new clutch pump again (the one before broke after a short time, I suspect it is due to the same not proper bleed, it was too Sachs make) I had the squicking sounds and not smooth release. It was coming from between cylinder rod and clutch actuation dumper (the flap cylinder rod pushes). I put grease between them and all is good since then. Could try that before replacing the clutch kit.