Hi guys, as u can see this is my first post, kinda fell into the forum trying to figure out whats going on with my punto!! So. I have a 1.1 55 sx 1995 which i love!! untill i drive it, changing gear is very difficult and sometimes it just wont go in at all! ive been told that i need my clutch cable replacing. however i was then told that my punto doesent have one, so im very confused. if anyone has any idea how i can get this problem fixed or any general advice about my punto i would be very very greatful.
thanks!!

bump

Hi Rach'.

If the gearchange is difficult, either you have a very serious gearbox problem or much more likely, the clutch is just not disengaging fully.

"In the old days.." If you had a knacked or stretched cable it caused "slack" in the system, so that the clutch plate wouldn't get completely lifted away from the drive plate. You would have to adjust the cable to keep it taut.

But Punters have a hydraulic clutch as you know, and so don't suffer from any cable issues.

You MAY benefit from bleeding the clutch hydraulic circuit. If you have air in there (maybe introduced by the master cylinder level getting low) then that would have the same effect as a stretched cable - the pedal movement is not lifting the plate enough. Try that first, as it's free (you just need some new DOT4.. the clutch shares its hydraulic fluid with the brake master cylinder).

Failing that, the clutch may be knacked. Sooner or later the release bearing wears out, as when you press the clutch in, all the load goes through it, so it gets some stick.. especially if you sit at traffic lights etc. with the clutch in. It's normal wear.. like tyres and brakes.

In that case you'll need a new clutch. It's fairly cheap (from £45 - £60) and fitting takes about an hour (if anyone tells you very different they don't know how to do it!) so about £140 or thereabouts.


Ralf S.