Clutch Query

[carver]

Can anyone tell me whether the C1 clutch cable is self adjusting and whether the clutch release bearing should be continuously running on the pressure plate fingers?

[downsman]

I haven't looked into this, so I'm not sure about the adjustment.

 

However, the clutch release bearing is only designed to run for short periods and will inevitably overheat and fail if it is working constantly. If the pressure plate isn't allowed to apply full pressure onto the clutch plate the clutch will wear out prematurely.

[carver]

Can anyone tell me whether the C1 clutch cable is self adjusting and whether the clutch release bearing should be continuously running on the pressure plate fingers?

 

 

thanks for your response Downsman

I agree it is unlikely the bearing is designed to run continuously. I remember reading somewhere that continuously running bearings are produced but seems unlikely they would be used on a low cost car.

 

I am still trying to find out if the clutch cable is self adjusting.

[Guest C1millstone]

Mr CARVER I have a C1 hdi diesel 1.4 Rythem on a 56 plate.Following an engine hesitation warranty visit and a casual mention of a noisy thrust bearing.At 14,000 miles they changed the whole clutch assembly including the bearing and some operating items.If this is your vehicles problem hope you have access to a second car.The parts had to come from France on back order.The car was in for 5 weeks (car supplied) for duration!! C1MILLSTONE

[TurboSlag]

The release bearing is a common failure point on the 107 (and therefore the C1) and several folk, including myself, have had to have a new clutch under warranty.

[Guest C1millstone]

Further to my Clutch problem.Following the replacement of my Clutch assembly at Citroen Birmingham I had to return as the gear lever became lose.Gear selection was like pot look.Turned out that the new gear selecton cable had worked lose.2 days in the work shop had it sorted.It would appear the clutch design used is not up to the job,Petrol or Diesel!!.c1millstone

[kfk]

Sold a lot of C1's and disagree that there is a problem with the components. However, clutch adjustment is critical and isnt self adjusting.

 

Drivers that use the clutch pedal as a footrest will cause premature failure of the clutch assy as will an incorrectly adjusted clutch.

 

Fitted a clutch into a C1 last week....the only one i can remember, parts came in over night so no delays. As for the reason for failure.....could be one of 2 reason.....having done less than 1000 miles possibly just a faulty component......alternatively, as the driver is deaf maybe they cant hear the engine revs when pulling away.

 

Having seen the vehicle being driven i would go for the later!.....as its done less than a 1000 miles warranty have paid for this one lets see how long the next one lasts.

[downsman]

Sold a lot of C1's and disagree that there is a problem with the components. However, clutch adjustment is critical and isnt self adjusting.

 

Drivers that use the clutch pedal as a footrest will cause premature failure of the clutch assy as will an incorrectly adjusted clutch.

 

Fitted a clutch into a C1 last week....the only one i can remember, parts came in over night so no delays. As for the reason for failure.....could be one of 2 reason.....having done less than 1000 miles possibly just a faulty component......alternatively, as the driver is deaf maybe they cant hear the engine revs when pulling away.

 

Having seen the vehicle being driven i would go for the later!.....as its done less than a 1000 miles warranty have paid for this one lets see how long the next one lasts.

 

It's good to hear you think they're OK :(

 

I've been happy with my clutch gearbox so far (touch wood :) ), but when you see how many people constantly rock back and forth at junctions slipping the clutch, you can see why the manufacturers blame the driver!

[kfk]

So many people think they know how to drive......but they all drive differently.....someone must be right!

[TurboSlag]

Sold a lot of C1's and disagree that there is a problem with the components. However, clutch adjustment is critical and isnt self adjusting.

 

Drivers that use the clutch pedal as a footrest will cause premature failure of the clutch assy as will an incorrectly adjusted clutch.

 

Fitted a clutch into a C1 last week....the only one i can remember, parts came in over night so no delays. As for the reason for failure.....could be one of 2 reason.....having done less than 1000 miles possibly just a faulty component......alternatively, as the driver is deaf maybe they cant hear the engine revs when pulling away.

 

Having seen the vehicle being driven i would go for the later!.....as its done less than a 1000 miles warranty have paid for this one lets see how long the next one lasts.

Whilst not common, clutch failure in the C1/Gaygo/107 isnt unheard of. Mine failed at 2k miles. Really stiff to get into gear and a roughness was transmitted back through the pedal in operation.

 

The case hardening on the release bearing isn't up to the job and can corrode, causing the bearing to begin to break up. In it's worst case you can lose all drive (while mine was in being replaced another 107 was trailered in with the same, but worse fault).

 

Peugeot have instructed dealers to tell customers hat it's caused by water ingress (ie, driving through floods) but this is not the case. Condensation is sufficient and if the dealers get arsey they will back down if you lean on them (as my stealers did). The bearing was made available for me to inspect and it was in poor shape, very badly scored - no way clutch abuse of even the most extreme kind will do that

 

I personally know of 2 other 107 owners that had to have new clutches with the same fault, but 3 of us out of all the thousands of members in the 107oc is hardly an epidemic, but is notewothy enough that it's more than just dumb drivers.

 

I'm a qualified dibble advanced and ADI level 4 instructor, so know how to stir the cogs without abusing the clutch.

[BillyT]

Talking of C1 clutches

 

Not a happy chappy, wifes 06 Vibe with 16k on the clock, clutch need replacing!! and its going to cost £550 to replace!! Gone are the days when I would replace clutches myself. Had enough of lying on the ground etc etc

 

Still seems a lot of money.

 

Problem started with difficulty selecting gears, happened almost overnight. Car doesnt get driven hard, mostly around town but with a 40 mile round trip on the motorway every week

 

Does anyone else think that this failure is a bit premature? Or am I expecting too much for a clutch to last longer than this.

 

I have done 31k in my Focus in the last 12 months, going by Citreons gear i should have had two new clutches in that time.

 

Wife was looking at getting another C1 when this one is 3 (July) but this has seriously put her off, she is going to look at other cars now

 

rant over

[downsman]

I would ask the garage to keep the parts after changing the clutch. If something has broken, and the plate is barely worn, there must be good grounds for asking for payment from Citroen. Sometimes the garage will fight this on your behalf.

 

Citroen clutches an last high mileages. I've known two BXs go to 130,000 on their original clutches and I had an AX 9 1/2 years and never touched the clutch.

[citroeneddie]

Billy

 

16k does not seem a lot of mileage for a clutch, but again it is due to use I suppose. There may have been a mechanical failurte of some sort, so worth investigation.

 

I have done many miles(motorway mainly though) with my Citroens and never had a problem.

 

Thanks

 

Eddie

[Martin_1973_uk]

Sounds like Citroen are pulling a fast one. Early C1's had common clutch problems where they wouldn't release properly thus making it difficult to change gear. I would argue this if it is still in warranty, if it isn't then I don't think you have a leg to stand on.

 

Good luck.

[BillyT]

Just wanted to let you all know, that I e-mailed Citroen UK with details of the problem. To cut a long story short the initial cost of £550 became £270 after Citroen UK got involved. Whilst still out of pocket at least Citroen met me half way

 

Bill

[downsman]

I'm glad they did the decent thing :unsure:

 

Did they pay for parts and leave you to pay the labour then?

[Martin_1973_uk]

I had the same thing with my Ford Mondeo. The starter motor went and they agreed to meet halfway. Once they do that then you know they are in the wrong. I then pushed for the total cost which after using the words watchdog and what car I got the full amount back. Can't hurt by trying.