General 56 Plate Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Diesel 90bhp Clutch replacement.

[Mart34]

Hi Guys

I've been advised by a local garage my clutch needs replacing asap, the problem is I don't have the money to get it to the garage as soon as I would like, and I'm really worried my clutch is going to die before I get the money together.

The lowest price I've had so far is approx £240 + VAT (most expensive quote was £637!!) I understand it's a big job and the going rate is going to be around the mark I'm being quoted, to try get the price down as much as possible I've begun looking for the parts myself, and found them to be a fraction of the price of the quotes.

I know the clutch can only be accessed by removing the gearbox, once the gearbox is removed, is the clutch replacement an easy job. I'm no expert but I do like to get my hands dirty when it comes to cars.

If anyone wants to send me a step by step guide to replacing the clutch please feel free.

Cheers guys.

 

[Skyperr]

I got my mate to replace a clutch in a 75bhp 5 speed 1.3 Mjet. He commented that the job was straightforward and he supported the engine using a good jack and the car itself on stands. He's ace at what he does and had it replaced over most of morning.

Yours is a 6speed 90bhp Mjet and these have a dual mass flywheel. Irrespective of whether you do the job yourself or with a garage, I think you should budget to replace the DMF as well.

 

[Mart34]

My car is a 5 speed gearbox. I'm being told its a dual mass. I love getting my hands dirty when it comes to fixing the car but dont want to do it if its not as straight forward as removing a few bolts and the wheel and surrounding conponents

 

[Skyperr]

I didn't think the 90bhp came with a 5 speed box. If its a 5 speed box then the likelihood is that it doesn't have a DMF, but to be certain I suggest contacting Fiat with your VIN and get them to confirm one way or another. Irrespective I'm led to believe that it is a DIY job if you've got the usual space, tools, patience, strength and determination

 

[Mart34]

I'm going off what the garages I've contacted are telling me. I'm hoping they are wrong and it isnt in fact duel mass. I've looked at the log book anf it says as the model. Grande punto multijet 90. I presume the 90 means 90 bhp?

When acessing the clutch, correct me if I'm wrong but the steps to follow are, remove wheel and driveshaft to gain access to the gear box and remove all connections and pull out of the way, this giving access to the clutch, does the clutch just slot in or is there a specific way of putting it in?

 

[Mart34]

Dont suppose or your friend are local to Burnley are you?

 

[Skyperr]

I'm going off what the garages I've contacted are telling me. I'm hoping they are wrong and it isnt in fact duel mass. I've looked at the log book anf it says as the model. Grande punto multijet 90. I presume the 90 means 90 bhp?

When acessing the clutch, correct me if I'm wrong but the steps to follow are, remove wheel and driveshaft to gain access to the gear box and remove all connections and pull out of the way, this giving access to the clutch, does the clutch just slot in or is there a specific way of putting it in?

90 means 90 bhp alright. It's also stamped at various locations around the body. If you've a five speed box then I'd imaging there's no DMF.

Once the box is pulled away it's just a matter of removing the old clutch and pressure plate and replacing with the new ones. Make sure the clutch is lined up properly and bolt up the pressure plate by tightening bolts in an "opposites" pattern to 28nm (as per autodata)

Dont suppose or your friend are local to Burnley are you?

Afraid not! I'm not even on your side of the Irish sea (clue is the flag beneath my username! )

 

[Mart34]

Afraid not! I'm not even on your side of the Irish sea (clue is the flag beneath my username! )

Lol, I'm on the forum via my phone so only shows the comment and your username so didnt know you had the flag on your profile lol. I'm going to ring Fiat tomorrow and find out for sure if it is or isnt duel mass.

Is lining up the clutch easy and really difficult to get wrong, or do I also need to invest in an alignment tool?

 

[Mart34]

I've had information that the problem could just be the master slave cylinder. Is this fitted inside the clutch/gearbox or is it accessable without removing the gearbox? I'm guessing its inside the gearbox.

 

[Skyperr]

Slave cylinder is outside and on top of the gearbox and perfectly accessible beneath the battery tray. The only this these do really is leak - just check beneath the dust cover over the piston and see. Master cylinder is something I know nothing about. Best canvass the opinions of others here instead

 

[Mart34]

Going to have a proper look later, I had a brief look yesterday and noticed the rubber on it was a bit worn.

When replacing the cylinder, is the hose connected to the brake line meaning the brakes would need bleeding or is it just a case of disconnecting the old cylinder and connecting the new one?

 

[Mart34]

Just had a look at the slave cylinder, cant see any leaks, theres just what looks like dirt around the area. Cant see anything that looks like a leak on the cylinder.

 

[Skyperr]

Just had a look at the slave cylinder, cant see any leaks, theres just what looks like dirt around the area. Cant see anything that looks like a leak on the cylinder.

When you operate the clutch, the piston and the centre of the slave extends and operates the clutch lever on the gearbox. If the piston and lever are moving properly then this obviously isn't your problem. If you replace the slave then the you will need to bleed the circuit at the bleed nipple on the piston. This exercise will not affect the brakes unless you empty the fluid reservoir

As you said in your opening post, the garage have diagnosed where your problem seems to lie. By all means get a second opinion if you already haven't, but on the face of it, the likelihood unfortunately is that your problem is the clutch itself.

 

[Mart34]

Yeh it is highly likely to be the clutch at fault, unfortunately. Was just hoping it was something else that wouldnt be as expensive as getting a new clutch. Been quoted a price of £245 for a new clutch, slave cylinder and gear oil replacement. Just need to get the money together as quickly as possible, supposed to be travelling down to London a week on Sunday from north west England

 

[Mart34]

Been to see a second garage with a very trustworthy and reliable mechanic. He confirms it is the clutch but thinks its the clutch release bearing. However he stated its also good to just fit a new clutch altogether along with the new bearing. So lots of overtime in work to do to pay for it.

 

[Mart34]

Last night I was looking over tge paperwork of the aa breakdown repair cover and it says it covers your clutch but excludes friction parts. Would the release bearing be classed as a friction part or would it be covered with the breakdown repair snd garage costs cover

 

[Skyperr]

Last night I was looking over tge paperwork of the aa breakdown repair cover and it says it covers your clutch but excludes friction parts. Would the release bearing be classed as a friction part or would it be covered with the breakdown repair snd garage costs cover

Simple answer: ask them!