clutch problems

[mathiszig]

my little R4 has been going brilliantly for the past 2 years, but guess what, my 18 year old son passed his test last thursday and it appears that he has burned out the clutch. it still drives but its hard work.....to his defence it was probably was on its way out but what to do??? is it a simple job i can trust any garage with or shoud i be picky?? i am in central london and the nearest specialist is renospeed which means driving it though the blackwall tunnel.....i wouldn't want to break down there.
any advice?
many thanks
lucie

 

[malcolm]

It's quite an involved job to change the clutch. It's most easily done as an engine out job so there are a lot of hours in the job. It's not really a specialist job, but you'd want to use someone who you trust to do the job well (put everything back nice and tight and in the right place).

Is it slipping or not engaging properly? If it's not engaging could be worth checking the clutch cable and mounting brackets first. If the cable is frayed, the adjustment nuts loose, or the bracket that holds it on is loose then it's just like having a worn out clutch.

One way to test would be have someone look at the clutch lever on the gearbox while someone else presses the clutch in. There should be about 10mm free play on the initial pedal travel then the clutch lever on the gearbox should move. More than that and you might improve things by adjusting the cable.

If it's slipping then it's due for replacement.

 

[mathiszig]

more clutch stuff

thanks. i will have a look at the clutch cable later on. maybe it's just that. unfortunately i am not sure what the difference is between a clutch not engaging properly and slipping, basically the car does not accelerate properly, i put her into gear and it doesn't bite ..... and then there is a certain burning smell. ( but no chrunching or coming out of gears)
i have asked my local citroen/renault garage to give me quote and they think it will cost about £380. arghhh.

 

[malcolm]

That sounds like the clutch has gone. It's when it can hardly be made to slip and when the gears crunch that it's the cable.

It'll be a few quid unfortunately - lot of hours in getting that gearbox out.

 

[Maciek R4 (PL)]

Hello...I'm looking for some help with clutch in R4...

I can't change gears (with clutch pedal down) when the engine is working...I heard the squeal and grind when I put down the clutch pedal on working engine and try to change gear

then, I need to change the clutch - so, I must get out only the gearbox or gearbox with engine - witch option is easier??? ...or it's soo complicated to do it self???


Greetings from Poland

 

[malcolm]

I think it's easier to replace the clutch after removing the engine and gearbox from the car. It's possible to remove only the gearbox, but the same parts need to be removed as when you take the engine out so there's no real advantage.

Be sure to lubricate the lever for the clutch where it passes through the gearbox casing while the gearbox is out of the car - that part siezes up after time.

 

[angel]

The parts needed to be removed,in order to remove the engine/gearbox may be roughly the same, but you will need an engine hoist/crane to lift the assembly out, while removing the gearbox alone needs only a pair of (relatively) strong arms!

 

[Maciek R4 (PL)]

Thanks...I hope, that I can make it by my self with some help from my father and friends...

Malcolm...I'll remember about that