Clutch problems

[rvwp]

Hi all, having run up my engine before replacing the front panel and gearbox cover, I had a loud sqealing noice when engaging gear and riding the clutch. I presumed that this was the trust bearing so out came the gearbox and I fitted a new clucth bearing. I have to say that there did'nt appear to be any difference between the old and new. The clutch had worked perfectly well before dismantling during the car rebuild.
However I still have the same problem, ie quite a grating noise when taking up the gearbox drive on releasing the clutch pedal. Once the drive is fully engaged it goes quiet ( running the car on axle stands). If I operate the clutch pedal without selecting gear there is a slight snatching feel at the last bit of travel before taking my foot off but no noise when the Thrust bearing engages the clutch.
I'm guessing now it's maybe the Clutch itself.
Has anybody any advise/comment before I go through the engine out nausia again!! Thanks Rich

[PSL184]

I had a similar problem which went off when the system got warm. I lived with it until I needed the engine out and I found the clutch springs were knackered and causing the noise. The new clutch I fitted was silent.....

[bmcecosse]

Sounds like the clutch may be off centre - or one of the springs has been dis-lodged.

[mike.perry]

If you have the gearbox off have a look at the round bit that the release bearing pushes against on the clutch (I'm sure it's got a proper name) and see if it is level. This is a good indication as to whether you have spring problems.

[bmcecosse]

Thrust pad I suppose ! And yes - that's what i meant above - if it's been disturbed on the little 'springs' and is sitting off to one side - it will never work properly.

[honda90]

I had this problem when I fitted my 1275 in my car this month. I caught the clutch release bearing contact plate on the clutch cover, with the gearbox input shaft. and knocked one of the little springs off. Which made the clutch make strange noises. The sping got lost and I ended up getting a new clutch kit.

[rvwp]

Thanks guys, looks like I will have take the darn engine/gearbox out again ! I suppose deep down I knew it would come to that, Rich

[PSL184]

Rich, I remember years ago when I did my apprenticeship, the old boy in the garage telling me "never re-use an old clutch" !! I wouldn't say that's the case in every situation, but certainly if its a few years old or has a few thousand miles under its belt then its good advice

[bmcecosse]

Look in through the inspection holes first - you may be lucky and manage to re-fit a spring if that's what's gone wrong!

[mike.perry]

Poking around with fingers through the inspection hole sounds like a good recipe for damaged fingers.
There is an old saying. Never put your finger where you wouldn't put your willy.
There is another version but I think that may get moderated.

[bmcecosse]

I don't suggest doing it while the engine is running!

[mike.perry]

I had in mind springs springing and that sort of thing

[PSL184]

There is an old saying. Never put your finger where you wouldn't put your willy.

Assuming it would fit through the inspection hole.....

Finger, that is