Technical Stilo - Schumacher edition - Clutch issue

[Lynnsey]

Hi All,

I'm hoping you can help.

I have a 55 plate Stilo Schumacher edition and for the past week or so the clutch has been playing up.

It started by getting stuck half way up, where I had to pull it up with my foot whilst driving. At first I thought maybe it got stuck on the mat but then it was hard to get into reverse and first gear. After speaking with a friend they suggested I check the clutch or break fluid (now at the risk of sounding...and admittedly it's true...being stupid....I replied "What's that?" - I didn't realise such a thing existed....I know...I know *shakes head*)

So I topped the fluid up and it ran fine for a few days.

Today, after being parked at work for 8 hours, I went to get in and couldn't get it in any gear. The clutch stuck to the floor to the point that I had to pull it up with my hand. Finally managed to get it going, although now cannot put it in fifth gear at all (even with engine turned off and trying to engage fifth)

It runs fine when it's going and goes into gear without issue, it only seems to be hard to get going when it's cold - left overnight or all day, whilst at work.

I know next to nothing about cars (hence why I didn't know break and clutch fluid was a thing) so my question is, could it be trapped air causing the problem and after a bleed it may fix things? Or is it more likely to need a new clutch (quote over the phone at £733 from a garage if it is the clutch)

Naturally at this time of year, I could do without a £733 bill, in which case it's probably going to be a case of getting a new car...which sucks as mine was on Fifth Gear and signed by Michael Schumacher himself and I really don't want to get rid.

I would really appreciate if any of you could get back to me with your thoughts, suggestions

Thanks.

 

[gadge]

Wow! Signed by the great man himself! it would deffinatly be ashame to get rid of it. The clutch is operated hydrulically on the 20v Stilo engines meaning that instead of the old way of a cable that pulls the clutch in and out, it instead has and oil line fed to a mechinism which fills with oil and moves forwards and backwards when you push the cluch pedal down. If it's leaking which is possible or there's air in the system then the mechinism (called a concentric clutch bearing) won't work.

My first port of call would be to bleed the system incase there is air in there. It's easy enough for a garage to do. If the problem persists them I'm afraid you may way need a new concentric bearing..... Which is a gearbox off job so you might aswell put a new clutch on

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi,
just an idea..,
have you actually checked the levels of the brake\clutch fluid,
anybody got pictures of them /and or - their location..,

Charlie

 

[gadge]

Hi,
just an idea..,
have you actually checked the levels of the brake\clutch fluid,
anybody got pictures of them /and or - their location..,

Charlie

The clutch and brake fluid use the same resovior. It's located on the right side of the engine at the back

 

[Lynnsey]

Thank so much for your reply (and for not judging how horrible my car knowledge / maintenance is. Will try bleeding it first and (hope that works!) and go from there

 

[Lynnsey]

Hi, Thanks for your reply. Yes, it was filled up (it was empty) on Thursday and I checked it again yesterday and it's just below max now.

 

[Lynnsey]

Thank you All topped up. Just below max. I thought it might take a little while to filter through and it was ok for a few days and got worse since...

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi, Thanks for your reply. Yes, it was filled up (it was empty) on Thursday and I checked it again yesterday and it's just below max now.

hi again,


to be honest....,

take it to a local garage and get it checked over,

IF it's losing fluid.. then it's possibly a leaking BRAKE cylinder,
easy to see once up on a mechanics ramps

Charlie - Oxford

 

[Lynnsey]

Thanks for all your help. Will call them tomorrow and get it booked in. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again for your replies and your help, really appreciate it

Lynnsey

 

[jatkinson]

more than likely the consentric slave , has poped inside the gearbox , there incase leaking , makeing you loose fluid , and that means it will be hard to get in to gear