Technical Clutch issue.

[Grapelli]

I have owned my Multipla 1.9 JTD 110 for about 18 months. The issue I have is the low biting point. I have read different threads concerning DMF's and Master cylinders and slave cylinders, but I am none the wiser where the problem lies. In the 18 months of ownership my clutch has not got worse the only issue has been maneuvering with a caravan on the back, under strain the clutch faded and I was stuck in gear. Twice this has happened and in both cases the clutch returned to its normal state. But where does the problem lie, with the hydraulics or somewhere else.
:bang:

 

[widemouthfrog]

If you try pumping the clutch (i.e. rapidly fully depress/release the clutch pedal several times) does it make the clutch disengage any more fully? If it does, it MAY show that the problem lies in the hydraulic system. If it doesn't, I'd put my money on it being the clutch itself that's at fault (think that's more likely anyway as you say that the problem hasn't got any worse in 18 months).

I'm speaking from bitter experience of replacing the clutch hydraulics only to find that the problem lay with the clutch itself, so perhaps my judgement is coloured!

 

[flying clutchman]

Fading pressure when held down is a classic symptom of a defective master cylinder. Unfortunately although you can see these easily from inside the car they are removed from outside. It takes as long to change as doing the clutch!

 

[Grapelli]

I have Just now found a receipt from the previous owner for Master and slave cylinder change done in 2008. Unless they didn't bleed it properly I think the problem must be within the clutch .

 

[widemouthfrog]

I wouldn't be too downcast. At least now you've found that receipt, you can as you say narrow it down to most likely being the clutch itself.

The cost of replacing the master and slave cylinders is pretty much the same as having the clutch itself replaced (if you're paying someone else to do either job, that is) so I'd look on the bright side and say to myself that I've saved myself half the possible outlay!

 

[flying clutchman]

Don't put too much faith in receipts. I've recently had a customer who was charged £225 to install a new master cylinder. When it played up again I checked and could see it had not been replaced. When questioned by trading standards it transpired they'd only bled it. 'Communication problem' said the service manager. New cylinder fitted at no extra cost. THIS WAS A FIAT FRANCHISED DEALER. I never asked which one as I'd rather stay out of his dispute. £225 is much less tan the bill would have been as it's booked as a 5 hour job + parts. More like £525 . Result in the end!

 

[Grapelli]

Thanks for the input guys, going to try and bleed the clutch hydaulics and see if it makes any difference. With this warm weather its harder to get in gear.