Problems with the Clutch Thrust Bearing

[Stuart]

Hi,

I'm not sure if anyone is interested, but I have been living with a whining Thrust Bearing on my 1.8 HLX for a year or two now. I know that there is no serious mechanical problem with this - it is just a painful noise when it starts plus a whining when the clutch pedal is pressed.

Anyway I finally decided to get my local Fiat garage to fit a new clutch. They phoned to say that they couldn't get the Bell Housing bolts undone and now the threads are ruined. I am now waiting to hear from their "Thread Specialist" (?).

Anyone else had this problem? If they need to replace the entire Bell Housing it might just be cheaper to sell the car for parts

Cheers
Stuart

 

[Brian S]

lose the thread

Problem with aluminium housing is the weakness of the material but they should be able to put replacement thread inserts in without problems

 

[Stuart]

Latest update on the clutch saga

I just got my car back from the Fiat garage after I sent it in for a new clutch. Total cost £600. The problem was that some of the bolts on the bell housing had seized. Trying to get these undone ran up the labour costs. Then they had to re-thread the bell-housing and finally I've got my car back.

Does this corrosion of the bolts happen often on these cars? Mines a 1998 1.8 HLX.

Next month I'm having the 48k service (£260) and I am going to get a quote for the Airbag ECU, and Alarm ECU. I'll keep you all posted.

Cheers
Stuart