HELP!? Clutch/slave problem?

[JoshV]

Hi guys,

I think I have a problem with my clutch/clutch slave cylinder :nope:. I was coming home from somewhere yesterday and noticed when I pulled up to some traffic lights that the clutch pedal had a small vibration in it that wasn't there before, and it feels like there is now a friction when pressing it down slowly (apologies, its very hard to explain :bored.

I was only round the corner from home so I drove a mile or so back and could hear a pretty loud noise which was related to revs/engine load. I have made a video which I will link below, and hopefully someone will be able to help!

Just something people may mention/ask - the cambelt was replaced in June this year so I don't think its anything to do with belts as they all look fine, and I wouldn't have thought it would affect the clutch pedal as mentioned. I did occasionally have problems engaging 1st gear when cold as some other people do, so maybe this suggests the slave cylinder was on its way out also? The car is a '56 plate with 36,000 miles on it!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfRiCQTa7bc

Thanks for the help guys

Josh

 

[JoshV]

*I'm also not driving it at the mo, I'm guessing its not wise to drive it while its making that noise!

 

[JoshV]

Hi guys, anyone able to help?

 

[Chrisgti6]

I can't listen to it as i'm at work, but by the way you have described it it sounds like the release bearing (which is part of the slave cylinder on the 197 I think)

New clutch time by the sounds of it to me. (however I could be wrong so don't take too much notice of me!)

 

[JoshV]

I can't listen to it as i'm at work, but by the way you have described it it sounds like the release bearing (which is part of the slave cylinder on the 197 I think)

New clutch time by the sounds of it to me. (however I could be wrong so don't take too much notice of me!)

Cheers Chris, yeh the sound it makes sounds like it could be the bearings to do with the slave cylinder. I'm guessing its then best off to replace the clutch at the same time out of good practice?

Anyone else listened to the video/got some ideas?

 

[Chrisgti6]

I've just listened to the video and now I'm confused! Where is the sound coming from?

 

[fmp]

to me that sounds like the noise is coming from the engine, not the clutch.

As your filming no where near the clutch area.

almost sounds like valves tapping on the pistons, which would mean a jumped cambelt. But its pretty difficult to work out without the car in front of you.

who is your local specialist, as i think they need a call!

 

[deadmau5]

That doesn't sound like a clutch bearing. I had that once and it sounded like a bird going 'cheep cheep' really quickly.

I wouldn't run the engine anymore if I were you.

 

[JoshV]

I've just listened to the video and now I'm confused! Where is the sound coming from?

to me that sounds like the noise is coming from the engine, not the clutch.

As your filming no where near the clutch area.

almost sounds like valves tapping on the pistons, which would mean a jumped cambelt. But its pretty difficult to work out without the car in front of you.

who is your local specialist, as i think they need a call!

It's hard to tell exactly where the sound is coming from but it doesn't sound like its coming from the top of the engine, it sounds like its underneath. I haven't had time to jack it up and have a look/listen from underneath so that was why I filmed it from there.

We have AA cover so I'm going to get them to come and have a look and see whether they can diagnose it tonight while I can't get to my local specialist (hopefully I will get someone competent) and then I will give my local specialist a ring tomorrow.

 

[JoshV]

I wouldn't run the engine anymore if I were you.

As soon as it did it I haven't touched it since except the quick video, don't want to risk it if it is engine related. But the engine wasn't under any stress at the time, was a really slow drive, so it would seem strange that something in the engine would go like that?

If its anything cambelt related it'll be going straight back haha!

 

[JoshV]

Just had the AA guy round and he seems to think its clutch, but I'll get them to tow it to a local renaultsport specialist and get them to have a look as I get £500 of parts with my AA membership. The noise goes a lot quieter than that video when the cars warmer and the video isnt the greatest of quality for the noise its making, but its an idea. Cheers so far for the help guys

 

[fmp]

Fingers crossed it is the clutch, as that's a cheaper fix!

Let us know the outcome.

 

[JoshV]

Well, a quick update, took it to the Renault garage and the noise has gone from that video, to quieter last night, to today literally being inaudible after the car had warmed up when the AA dropped it off. I've left it with him to try and replicate the noise when it's cold in the morning and let him look at it/drive it. Given they're a renaultsport specialist they will know a 1000 times more than I will! I'll keep you posted

Forgot to mention also in earlier posts that when the clutch was pressed up and down the pitch of the tinny tap changed and got louder or higher pitched.

 

[mdking]

Josh,

As im only round the corner from you, let me know if I can help.

Which Renault Specialist did you take it to? Ren7oaks / Two techs?

I hope its not Orpington..

Matt

 

[JoshV]

Josh,

As im only round the corner from you, let me know if I can help.

Which Renault Specialist did you take it to? Ren7oaks / Two techs?

I hope its not Orpington..

Matt

Hi Matt, haha I wouldn't take it to an actual Renault garage I've taken it to TwoTechs because Ren7oaks were a bit far to ask to be recovered to although they were where I had the cambelt done. Cheers for the offer of help, he's going to have a look tomorrow and hopefully it's just a bearing. Fingers crossed anyway!

 

[mdking]

Fingers crossed mate.

 

[JoshV]

Another update, potentially not great news I left it with the guy and he took it out quickly to try and replicate the noise due to it now stopping, and it broke down on him. He said he could hear something had broken up inside the gearbox bell housing when it went.

He said best case scenario is it's the release bearing; worst case is release bearing, clutch and flywheel, if its taken a chunk out of that All in including labour is £1150 but that is worst case!! And I should get £500 towards it from the AA, so some slightly better news.

He will take the gearbox apart tomorrow to get to the mentioned parts and be able to diagnose it fully, but even if its just the release bearing I will get him to do the clutch too for the sake of £150! Fingers crossed!

 

[JoshV]

As a final update, this was the problem...

"We have removed your gearbox to find that one of the tensioner springs on the pressure plate has broken. This means that a new clutch kit is needed, but we have noticed that the flywheel has been getting very hot, and there are high spots on it!"

So it's worst case scenario as ill get them to replace the slave as well as the flywheel but at least for a new clutch, slave cylinder and flywheel I'm only paying £650 as the AA put up £500 towards it. Hopefully the car will feel good with all of those changed!...

 

[Yiannis197]

jeez that is expensive, luckily you are AA covered. Threads like these make me feel glad I have the extended warranty...

 

[JoshV]

jeez that is expensive, luckily you are AA covered. Threads like these make me feel glad I have the extended warranty...

The parts themselves aren't to bad, £500 of it is labour because the gearbox has to come out etc