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micap · Alfasud Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 62 Location: Denmark

Hello there

Today when driving home from work I discovered a strange change in my clutch pedal. After a few minutes of driving, when I had to start from a cross section I noticed that the clutch was a bit harder than it used to be, and the clutch point (don't know the exact english word, but the point where you can feel the move) was a lot closer to the floor. The clutch works fine apart from this change, but was wondering if it could be the clutch cylinder. Any thoughts on this?
_________________
/Michael

ex 89 1.7 QV
now 85 1.5 QV with 1.7 engine.

Eddie W · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2003 11:01 pm Post subject:

Michael
Hate to say this but it sounds like the throwout bearing wearing through the pressure plate fingers, which they are prone to do. The bearing itself is then operating the clutch and the life is going to be very limited. If you find that this is the case then there is a bearing with more area and radius where it contacts the fingers and this should last longer.
Regards Eddie

micap · Alfasud Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 62 Location: Denmark

How do I know if that's the problem? If it gets worse and the bearing is the problem, how will I feel that? And if the bearing is the problem, is it enough to change the bearing, or will I need a new clutch?
_________________
/Michael

ex 89 1.7 QV
now 85 1.5 QV with 1.7 engine.

P4 Paul · Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2003 9:51 pm Post subject: clutch problem

sounds like you clutch arm pivit pin has snapped and the bearing is not making contact with all the clutch forks.

Eddie W · Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2003 8:24 am Post subject:

Michael
Symptoms of the clutch wear I described are much as you stated. I looked for a good second hand clutch at my local Alfa wrecker and we went through over 50 to find one that wasn't worn out as I've described. When this happens the pressure plate is a throwaway. The throwout arm pivot hole and the pin itself can wear and this can usually be seen by the arm beeing way off centre where it exits the bellhousing. Both problems are a box out job unfortunately. Inspite of the manuals stating that you have to remove box and engine together this is not so. You canremove the box with a certain amount of fiddling and to refit you slot the L/H hole in the rear engine mount so that with the gearbox refitted to the block you can then raise up the assembly from the rear with the mount loosely bolted to the body and the stud that comes through the bellhousing from the block will slide up in this slot allowing you to then bolt everything up. Hope this may help.
Regards Eddie

micap · Alfasud Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 62 Location: Denmark

Looks like I need a new clutch then. Any things to change while I have the box out? And a list of all the spare parts I need is much appreciated.
_________________
/Michael

ex 89 1.7 QV
now 85 1.5 QV with 1.7 engine.

micap · Alfasud Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 62 Location: Denmark

Another thing. If I have to change the clutch, I have been thinking about getting an OMP. What exactly is the difference between torsion springs and rigid disc.
_________________
/Michael

ex 89 1.7 QV
now 85 1.5 QV with 1.7 engine.

micap · Alfasud Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 62 Location: Denmark

Today I expirienced a new chapter in the clutch story. When sitting at a red light, I noticed the revs where dropping, almost like when you release the clutch a bit. So I put it in neutral and released the clutch, but when I had to put in 1st gear, the noise the gearbox made was really awful. All the way home it made the same trick, so I guess the clutch is totally gone now?
_________________
/Michael

ex 89 1.7 QV
now 85 1.5 QV with 1.7 engine.

Eddie W · Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 4:23 am Post subject:

Hi michael
Sounds like it's stuffed allright Sad

You'll need a clutch kit,throwout bearingand the pivot pin for the arm(which is only an ordinary spring pin) Don't forget to check the pivot hole in the arm for wear. Much commiserations.
Regards Eddie