Posted 5 September 2012

Motoring - vibrating clutch?

OK, so I got in the car this morning and drove my son to his nursery. All fine/normal.

Got back in the car after dropping him off, I pull off and notice two things:

(1) The clutch pedal has a strong vibration going through it, I can feel it going right up my foot/ankle
(2) There is a slight creaky sound as I engage/change gears

The gears are not crunching or slipping. The clutch is still biting at the same point as usual and the car seems to be driving OK.

However the strong vibration in the clutch pedal is concerning me. It is occuring regardless of whether I am in gear, idle, coasting in neutral, changing gear, etc. Always the same level of vibration.

The creaky sound disappears when in neutral or idle - only when the clutch is engaged to pull away or change gear.

Any ideas? It doesn't seem to quite fit the bill for a clutch on the way out (which I have experienced before and felt different).

The car is a Xsara Picasso 1.8 Petrol (2001). Mileage is 69000.

Any help would be appreciated. Obviously I will get a garage to look at it when I get a chance, but I don't fancy £300-400 on a new clutch.

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5th Sep 2012
kylewalker
my brother said the release bearing can be replaced on its own no need … my brother said the release bearing can be replaced on its own no need for whole clutch. HTH

No way does your brother still talk to you
5th Sep 2012
Got back in the car after dropping him off, I pull off and notice two … Got back in the car after dropping him off, I pull off and notice two things:

there's your problem

srs tho my bro suggested a it may be the release bearing in the gearbox.
5th Sep 2012
Could be to do with the linkage & even if I could tell you the exact problem what can you do about it?

What I'm saying is, get a mechanic friend or a garage to take a look.
Author
5th Sep 2012
I'll definitely be taking it to a garage - I just like to have researched possibilities first

Release bearing seems to fit the bill - it doesn't make noise when compressed in neutral, but the vibration is still there.
Wonder if that can be replaced on its own, or if it requires the whole clutch kit. Hmm.
5th Sep 2012
TUSSFC
I'll definitely be taking it to a garage - I just like to have researched … I'll definitely be taking it to a garage - I just like to have researched possibilities first :)Release bearing seems to fit the bill - it doesn't make noise when compressed in neutral, but the vibration is still there.Wonder if that can be replaced on its own, or if it requires the whole clutch kit. Hmm.

my brother said the release bearing can be replaced on its own no need for whole clutch. HTH
5th Sep 2012
You can just replace the bearing but as you have to go to the expense of having the clutch assembly removed (which is by far the greatest component of the cost) paying for the bearing, you might as well just buy a complete clutch kit and have this fitted. At least you'll have a complete new clutch for little extra, if you have luck like mine you'd replace the bearing and have a plate go the following week.
(edited)
5th Sep 2012
Question is, is the car a cable or hydraulic setup? I am thinking cable, but to have that much vibration travel up the pedal is what gets me, would a release bearing do this, because the vibration would have to come through the clutch, through the gearbox, then through the engaging handle and then up the cable, doesn't sound right to me.

Here is a link

Suggests a few things but looks like you may be spending that money on a new clutch!
5th Sep 2012
Think as has been said above it will be the release bearing thats on its way, shouldnt be too costly, maybe around 20-30 quid for parts and maybe an hours labour i think.
Dont think they will need to take the whole clutch assembly out tbh, should really just be a straight swap... but im not sure
5th Sep 2012
DannyM
Think as has been said above it will be the release bearing thats on its … Think as has been said above it will be the release bearing thats on its way, shouldnt be too costly, maybe around 20-30 quid for parts and maybe an hours labour i think.Dont think they will need to take the whole clutch assembly out tbh, should really just be a straight swap... but im not sure

Im pretty sure its inside the clutch assembly, and as the thread i posted a link to says, it takes out some of the little bits inside the clutch also, where is The Therapist when you need him.
5th Sep 2012
DannyM
Think as has been said above it will be the release bearing thats on its … Think as has been said above it will be the release bearing thats on its way, shouldnt be too costly, maybe around 20-30 quid for parts and maybe an hours labour i think.Dont think they will need to take the whole clutch assembly out tbh, should really just be a straight swap... but im not sure

A fair bit more than an hours work, all cars differ of course. The gearbox has to come out & moved away from the engine to gain access. Being a people carrier space will be tight so a possibility of having to move the engine to get proper access.
I've done a gearbox in my car in 3 hours, then again I know that car well, could be longer at a garage.
5th Sep 2012
Seeing as it is ever present it could be entirely unrelated to the clutch, say an engine mounting. The fact that it appears through the clutch pedal could be a red herring.
5th Sep 2012
dga
Sudden failure? I've only seen the diesels shear engine mounts.

twas just an example of a non clutch related issue not necessarily an answer to the problem
(edited)
5th Sep 2012
I had exact same problem about 2 months ago, sounds like the release bearing and the fly wheel! £700 later.....
Author
5th Sep 2012
Just popped down to a garage local to work (on the good garage scheme) and they've had a decent look and said the release bearing is completely knackered. However, it would require the entire assembley taking out to replace that so the labour would be the same as a new clutch. Therefore, I may as well just get the whole clutch kit replaced.

Their quote was 5.5 hours work = £225 ex vat. Plus £100 ex vat for the kit. £391 all in.

Called my (home) local garage (also good garage scheme) and he said it would take him 4 hours, but would only charge for 3.5! £160 ex vat + £100 for the kit. £320 all in.

Gonna have to stick the car on the driveway until I can afford it
5th Sep 2012
your lucky clutch on mine went, took it to garage, the flywheel went as well.. cost of £800 for the both.. car was only valued ar around £2000
(edited)
5th Sep 2012
TUSSFC
Just popped down to a garage local to work (on the good garage scheme) … Just popped down to a garage local to work (on the good garage scheme) and they've had a decent look and said the release bearing is completely knackered. However, it would require the entire assembley taking out to replace that so the labour would be the same as a new clutch. Therefore, I may as well just get the whole clutch kit replaced.Their quote was 5.5 hours work = £225 ex vat. Plus £100 ex vat for the kit. £391 all in.Called my (home) local garage (also good garage scheme) and he said it would take him 4 hours, but would only charge for 3.5! £160 ex vat + £100 for the kit. £320 all in.Gonna have to stick the car on the driveway until I can afford it

Enter your reg number now at
5th Sep 2012
dga
Box of matches is 25p. Have you any other outstanding faults?

Cold, 19p down my local.
5th Sep 2012
churchill
No way does your brother still talk to you

not THAT brother
5th Sep 2012
dga
Sudden failure? I've only seen the diesels shear engine mounts.

I've done it on a petrol Ford before, rear gearbox mount perished then suddenly gave out. Was sort of like a spider web design (but not really like that at all, weak looking all the same). Don't know what style they use on frogmobiles though.
5th Sep 2012
aircanman
Im pretty sure its inside the clutch assembly, and as the thread i posted … Im pretty sure its inside the clutch assembly, and as the thread i posted a link to says, it takes out some of the little bits inside the clutch also, where is The Therapist when you need him.

I'm here (_;)

Since the vibration is there all the time with the engine running, it is also possible that the dual mass flywheel may have failed.

Most manufacturers supply the clutch assembly with the flywheel but I know some garages charge you for a main dealer flywheel, then charge extra for the clutch kit (they get it free!!).
30th Jun 2017
Hi guys..mine is doing the same... I have a BMW 1 series. 55 plate any ideas.. not had the car 12 months spent 1500 on it new turbo ect.. is it worth keeping and spending on it.??thanks in advance.
Sharon.