Technical Gearbox, or clutch help plz

[Todger182]

I went out for a drive last night and I noticed that My sei had a knocking coming from the front end, and when you put your foot on the clutch it disapears. My first thought is thrust bearings knackered, but she glides in and out of gear fine and doesn't slip out.

Could this mean that she just needs some fresh oil putting in the gearbox (draining the original of course), or is this possibility of having to buy a new clutch?

Thanks

PS also when I popped the bonnet i noticed some oil that looks quite old an crusty around the head. It wasn't alot at all I don't think the gasket is on it's way out but I just wanted to check with you guys before asuming the big "oh gawd".

 

[Pep0]

Not good news it may mean that the clutch is on the way out, you need to start budgeting for the clutch kit parts and a dry weekend or the back street garage.

The thrust bearing frequently fails first then takes the diaphram spring fingers of the clutch with it.

The engines seem to be oily unless you keep replacing the seals, with new ones even you add instant gasket - they can leak, or I'm ham fisted... It is not difficult replacing the seals.

Noel

 

[Todger182]

Thanks bud.

Just checked the gasket again, it's fine but i'm going to clean the old crusty stuff off and see if it comes back again, if it does then I know it needs replacing.

As for the clutch it only start knocking when it's warm so gonna try a temp fix and get some fresh oil in there. Which oil should I put in?

If it's gone then i'll replace with a performance upgrade clutch.

Thanks

 

[Pep0]

The gear box needs a full synthetic to a high spec which is >30 GBP a fill, and the box and oil is probably ok, but it is best to check that the level is ok and top it up if necessary...

I'd not ride (slip) the clutch and more then necessary.

The FIAT OEM style clutch seems to have a poor design of thrust bearing another pattern may be better, I'd be tempted to get a cheap one. Mine squeaked once and failed a few miles later.

You did not mention the noise was only when warm, but that would still indicate the thrust bearing has a problem, it may go on for a long time, or fail promptly no way of knowing.

Noel

 

[fingers99]

I'm thinking -- if the knocking only happens when you pull away or let the clutch up when you change up -- that it may well be just the gearbox/rear engine mount.

Some of the gearboxes love the stuff FIAT sell, others will be quite happy on any 80/90 EP. Best check that the level is right before doing owt else.

No advantage in a performance clutch unless you've really tuned the ******** off the engine.