Clutch release bearing question....

[smokiecat]

Hi All

I have the whirring noise now getting more evident from my 146 1.6ts when the clutch is depressed. I know the cause and the remedy but need to know if it is left for just a bit longer will it cause any damage?

I've found an LUK replacement clutch kit and know the process to change.... just need to mentally prepare myself!!! (need it to hang on for about another 10 days!!)

Anyone had the same issue (thinks its quite common) and how long have people left it?

Thanks All!

[purple145]

how good are you at clutchless gear changes?

depend on the noise, if a light squeak, you will more than likely get away with it, it is screaming like a banshee, probably not.

If left unattended the clutch bearing will slice its way through the fingers of the clutch, and you will be permanently in gear, the pedal will drop to the floor.

[smokiecat]

Well its been a couple of months but only a slight noise.... just in the last few days started to develop a bit more..... no worries on the changing out of the old one..... its just i've nakered my back so need it to get better before i can get the spanners out!!! Therefore if it could hang on for a few more days i think my spine would appreciate it!!!!!

[Ralf S.]

"Nobody Knows" would be the QI answer..

The clutch bearing has probably come loose in its locating slot and is now whirring around, which is what makes the noise. That places extra wear on the outer "fingers" of the clutch until they are worn through and then the bearing "falls" into the crevice it's dug for itself, so you lose activation of the clutch.

It doesn't hurt the gearbox and the bits that are eating each other (bearing and clutch fingers) are all parts of the new clutch kit, so there's no danger of breaking something you're not going to replace in a minute anyway.

You can give your clutch an easier time of it by sticking the car in neutral every time you come to a stop, rather than holding the clutch in, with the car in gear (if that's your particular bad habit). However when the beast goes it'll go without warning so I'd make sure you have the RAC number handy..

When you change the clutch, I'd stick a new slave on there too unless yours is remotely new. Job done "forever", bearing in mind the car's reasonably expected lifespan..


Ralf S.

[smokiecat]

Well I'm the proud owner of a valeo clutch and all the bits so its got to survive just one more day........ avoiding gear changes and traffic has helped wonders. Think I might make a photo guide for a gearbox out / clutch swap for the forum cos others might find it helpful. Thanks to everyone for their advice on this!

[addamski1980]

have fun changing it remember to slide the half shaft that runs along rear of engine out the way this will help a lot

[chaser]

Remember it's a plastic thingy that holds the bearing. Most likely the noise is coming from the metal part turning in the plastic fork, meaning the bearing has already seized and is eating its housing.
From there it's a quick step and the clutch is gone.
Had the same issue on the 2.0TS cloverleaf and within 2 days in town it was on the towrope to the workshop.

Now it depends on your driving style, if you only depress the clutch for a gear change in 0.5 seconds it will hole longer, but if you insist on depressing the pedal at the robot then it heats up and gone.
Use it as little as possible, and good luck in the changing process.

[idawg]

Have you changed your clutch yet? How did you get on?

[Ralf S.]

It's probably still a work in progress..

I had a look at my gearbox... immediately booked matey mechanic to change it!



Ralf S.

[Chardy]

When I swapped my box (and a few other bits), a 3 day job ended up taking 3 months.........a real PITA unless you have a lit, heated workshop complete with ramp !