Clutch gone on tintop - anyone recommend a garage to sort it?

[robp]

The clutch on my Vectra B failed this morning on the way to work.  Not sure at the moment but I think it's the slave cylinder.  Symptoms are:-

- Clutch does not slip under load.
- Cannot get car into gear without crunching (can change gear if I'm careful with revs).
- Pedal feels normal.
- Pumping pedal does not improve situation.
- No visible leaks around master cylinder and pipe work.
- Fluid reservoir is not loosing fluid.
- Went suddenly; no deterioration over time.

Could be the master cylinder seals?  If it's the slave then its gearbox out time. 

Anyone any ideas what's up?

Also, if its a biggy then I may have to take it somewhere to get it sorted (just haven't got the spare time at the moment) so can anyone recommend somewhere that'll do a good job?

[Krazyken]

Try John at FCM, arrangements in place with BKCC members labour rate a very reasonable £40 + VAT per hour.

[Moleman]

Hi rob if you get really stuck I know a good guy in a garage by me (north Bristol) that does cash jobs but he is always busy. So not sure when he could do it. He may be able to do it straight away but I can ask for you? Let me know if this helps.

['The Gaffer']

Unlucky Rob.

Maybe someone with a bit of time might come forward to help, short of that its shop around time. Hope you get it sorted cheaply.

How about getting a used slave and bolting it on first, shouldn't take too long - If you want a pedal pusher give me a shout.

[Richardp]

Sounds like master cylinder seals, maybe. If its not leaking fluid, that narrows things down a bit.

Either that or if it's a hydraulic release bearing, those fail also.

Either that, or the clutch is worn out, and has over centered.

Without knowing the setup it's hard to diagnose with any accuracy.

If you are really stuck I'll arrange to do the work for you, cheap, but no good if you are in a hurry.

[robp]

Sounds like master cylinder seals, maybe. If its not leaking fluid, that narrows things down a bit.

Either that or if it's a hydraulic release bearing, those fail also.

Either that, or the clutch is worn out, and has over centered.

Without knowing the setup it's hard to diagnose with any accuracy.

If you are really stuck I'll arrange to do the work for you, cheap, but no good if you are in a hurry.

I don't use the car that much so not in a great hurry.  Was planning to tow the Westy to Pembrey a week on Saturday though but could just drive it there instead.

Yes, the Vectra has a hydraulic release bearing which could have gone. I'm going to try and bleed the system to see if anything changes. Like I say, its not loosing any fluid.  The clutch master cylinder is hidden behind the brake servo to make things interesting.  Excuse my ignorance, what is clutch over centering?

[Richardp]

Clutch over entering depends on the construction of the clutch. Depending on how it is made, the release leavers can overceter, and once that happens, they no longer compress the spring that presses the pressure plate against the clutch plate. this indicates a severely worn clutch, only an issue if the car has done 100k plus since the last clutch (or masses of stop start, or clutch riding etc.). A sign of this would be suddenly very little resistance to pressing the pedal, for 1 or two cycles, then it would feel normal, but not disengage the clutch.

The problem with hydraulic release bearings is there is no external sign of the level of wear. Unless there is an inspection cover, so it's hard to diagnose. If you are going to remove the gearbox, then you fit a new clutch anyway, unless its less than 20k old.

Other possibilities are that a bit of friction material has broken off, and got jammed in the gap that should exist, when the pedal is pressed. If there was a bump, or judder with the clutch pressed down, eg changing gear, and now you have drive all the time?

Hope that explains?