Hi All

It looks like the clutch thrust bearing is in need of replacement on my Scudo (1.6 petrol, 1997 - terrible engine don't ever buy one!). The car's done ~60k and I've never had a car with the clutch go so early - is that normal on the Fiats?

I have a few questions regarding getting it replaced/fixed - any help with any answers would be GREATLY appreciated:

1) Can I get at the clutch without dropping the whole engine? I have the Fiat garage manual for the Scudo and it only covers engine removal/refitting and clutch replacement as a part of that - obviously changing the clutch bearing without dropping the engine would be better!

2) If I can't change the whole clutch without dropping the engine, can I change just the thrust bearing?

3) Can I buy just the bearing or do I need to buy the whole clutch kit? My local Fiat garage (I live in Austria) have quoted €250++ for a clutch kit and €950 fitted - which I think is a LOT of dosh for such a job! I've been unable to get a quote for just the thrust bearing alone.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Cheers

Mark.

Well the clutch thrust bearing has definitely gone..!

Has anyone done the clutch themselves on a Scudo..? I'd really like any advice or tips anyone might be able to provide.

Cheers

Mark.

hi mate ive done a few diesel clutchs on scudos if there the same as petrol ones which i asume thet are you can change clutch without removeing box from van

all you do is move the box right over as in pull it out and rest it on the sub frame sounds hard but it works fine bolt new clutch in push box back in do up bolts job done

hope this helps

hi did the clutch in my scudo not long a go im not a mechanic looks a bit dawnting to start but once you get into it ,its fine took me a day gearbox stopped in but they did fit different clutches so take the old one with you beware if thrust bearing is making a noise it wont last long result no cluth

Hi guys - cheers for the replies.

I've had a look myself and got far enough to realise it'll go without dropping whole engine - work on hold at the moment due to freezing temperatures (I live in Austria!) and no garage.

Will be waiting for a fine spring day (and temperatures above 0 deg) before I crawl under the van!!!

Thanks again.

Mark.

Hi Mightymouse & Woodlark

When you did your clutches, did you have any problem removing the gearbox mounting bracket??

On my Scudo it's completely in the way and prevents me from pulling the gearbox far enough over to get at the clutch.

The bracket itself is mounted onto the gearbox aluminium housing with two bolts, I can reach one but the other one sits underneath the bottom cup of the mounting bracket. I've tried undoing the whole stud on the bracket itself but it just won't budge and the stud itself doesn't take any kind of spanner or loosening tool.... two back-to-back bolts on the stud were also not enough to do the job... (Mole grips were the best I could manage)

Have I missed something obvious or did the bracket come away for you guys easier than mine..???

Cheers
Mark.

RE: Mark

I guess you've found a way to solve the problem since 2006...but for the other people who may read this, I just replaced the clutch in my 1997 scudo 1.9 diesel. I had a tough time unbolting the mounting bracket from the gearbox. It had to go, as it will hit the frame before the gearbox can slide fully out. But the 2 bolts holding it into the aluminium gearbox house were killers to unbolt. I'm not sure what mole grips are, but a proper socket set, with extension bars is what finally let me unstick the bolts.

Good luck to all, took me a couple days of blood, sweat and tears to change the clutch...but then again, I'm a novice.

Max