petesy71 0 Posted September 25, 2006 hi, firstly thanks for the excellent site, its been a mine of useful information for a noob like me. ive recently got a 1990 1.9 which was driving fine(better after a fuel filter change), but yesterday morning the clutch pedal stroke dropped and gear changes became incredibly stiff.i drove on to a friends but when i selected reverse i had to really force it into place and it crunched like mad. i tried it again after it had cooled down, clutch stroke seemed back to normal but after a couple of gear changes same problem(more crunching in reverse and tight gear changes). i have also noticed a knocking noise that disappears when the clutch pedal is pushed in. as i dont want to do any more damage i have left the car parked where it is and probably wont get back to it until the weekend. i have used the search function and it sounds like the clutch cable has slipped,but is it likely to be anything more serious? when i get back to the car i will have a go at tightening it(if i can find it!) and check the gear oil as well. from the documentation that came with the car the gearbox seems to have been changed to an mi16 one, so i was wondering, if the cable is stretched and needs replacing, will a standard be3 cable fit ok? thanks, pete. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petesy71 0 Posted September 25, 2006 p.s. apologies for putting my first post in the wrong section, will try not to do it again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackherer 543 Posted September 25, 2006 i have also noticed a knocking noise that disappears when the clutch pedal is pushed in. It sounds like the clutch release bearing has disintegrated unfortunately. Check the cable first but if its not that you'll need to take the gearbox off.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackherer 543 Posted September 25, 2006 p.s. apologies for putting my first post in the wrong section, will try not to do it again. this is the right section mate btw a standard be3 cable will be fine for an Mi16 box Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petesy71 0 Posted September 25, 2006 dont think id be capable of that myself but ive a friend whos an amature mechanic i could blag for help. i'll do a search on it. thanks for the fast reply jackherer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petesy71 0 Posted September 25, 2006 ta again,my first post was for a good mechanic in n.ire and was moved to general chat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petesy71 0 Posted September 26, 2006 ive just done a search and it looks like the release bearing is difficult to find on its own.is the thrust bearing from autofive the same thing or something different altogether? also the clutch seems fine with no slippage but as i dont know its history,if i have to do the bearing am i better replacing the whole thing? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackherer 543 Posted September 26, 2006 change the whole lot while the gearbox is off, anything less is a false economy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petesy71 0 Posted September 26, 2006 thanks v.much mate, i'm still hoping its just the cable,but if not it'll be a good introduction into home car repair! i'll try not to think about it till the weekend. thanks for your help, pete. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonah 1 Posted September 26, 2006 There is another fault that can cause these symptoms - the bolts holding the engine and gearbox together can work loose or even snap. I've heard of this happening a few times on this forum and it also happened to a mate in a 309GTI. Since you mentioned that there is a knocking noise with the clutch out, I think this is the most likely cause - a knackered release bearing would make more noise with the clutch pressed in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wes 86 1 Cars Posted September 26, 2006 yep check your bolts, i had the same thing and one of the bolts was missing! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petesy71 0 Posted September 26, 2006 thanks for the info jonah & wes, i'll be sure and check the bolts as well. i was reading the haynes manual in work today(instead of working), and if the gearbox does have to come off i woudnt have the resources to do it, so i'll have to find a decent mechanic, need the cam belt done anyway. if the bolts are loose will it have damaged the box? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petesy71 0 Posted October 1, 2006 just got back from under the car. the locking nut on the clutch cable had worked loose so after some adjustment and a bit of a tighten all seems fine. the bolts holding the gearbox and engine together were a bit loose so i gave them a tighten. knocking seems to have dissapeared so i think i've got away with the release bearing. while i was under the bonnet i noticed that the fuel pipe to the filter was slightly nipped so i moved it round a bit, took the car for a quick spin and all seems great. thanks again for your help guys! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
