...and now the clutch!

[lawtoma]

So, I took the car out to take it to a friend with axel stands (haven't managed to get mine yet), to check the Speedo sensor, and 100 yards down the road, changing into 3rd, the clutch gave way! Pedal fully depressed the gear lever wouldn't move. Pushed up against (but not into) gear pulled the car slightly, but actually engaging any gear was impossible. Pushed it home and adjusting the bolt at the top of the pedal to the longest setting (it was about half way before) allows me to get it into gear, and it now selects all gears fine, except there's a horrible rattly whine at idle. That, and the massive adjustment I've had to make, are shouting "something's wrong"!
Any ideas?
Thank you!

[Grubbster]

Do you have a K series with a dry sump in the bellhousing? If so then there is a chance the clutch actuating arm has broken, these were quite a problem until they strengthened them, If not then if sounds like something to do with the housing or plate. Sounds like an engine out job either way

[lawtoma]

Sorry Sigma 1.6, 5 spd box. But thanks Grub...

[radical78]

release bearing gone engine or box out

[lawtoma]

Thanks, Radical.
Given I don't have the wherewithal to look into taking the engine/box out to check and (more importantly) as the car is still under warranty, I've been on the phone to Caterham, who are arranging to pick the car up to get it sorted!

[k20erham]

Hi be sure something has broken or dropped off, because if not it's not warranty, wear and tear sir!!!????

[lawtoma]

I can't imagine what wear and tear has occurred in less than 800 miles of predominantly A-road driving, so it's a chance I'll take...

[anonymous-user]

Is it a cable or hydraulic clutch, because it sound like the cable is just badly adjusted or has come loose? Of course if it's hydraulic, forget all that.

[lawtoma]

It felt just like a clutch cable going, but it's a hydraulic system. Caterham suggested I check the fluid, which is fine, so their next suggestion was to come and pick it up.

[k20erham]

800 miles!!! Gentle driving miss Daisy or or like you stole it or 5 really good full track days? Don't forget Caterham cars see them all, hopefully just wants bleeding and if so they won't treat it as a service element, don't forget they get another of let's tinker with this and that etc and whoops now it doesn't work, I'm not suggesting any of this,but the warranty man has to be sure etc. Fingers x'ed

[downsman]

When I was building my Sigma engined Seven, I was concerned by the concentric slave cylinder hidden in the bell housing. Any problems and it is engine out!

It is extremely unlikely to just need bleeding. Most likely the slave cylinder or clutch release bearing has failed. Either way the engine has to come out.

These parts should survive many thousands of miles of hard driving, so Caterham should do the lot under warranty. With kit builds the warranty doesn't include labour though

[lawtoma]

No track time, mostly miss daisy - I'm still getting used to the dynamics so haven't had it anywhere near the limits yet!

They pick it up tomorrow, so hopefully they'll get it fixed and get it back to me soon!

[Eccles52]

Hi,
Any news from Caterham yet as to what the problem was and why it happened?
Cheers
Ivan

[lawtoma]

Hello! Spoke to James, the after sales guy on Wednesday, and the mechanics had it apart and had reported CRB and slave cylinder, but were still investigating. It's all done now, apparently, but they didn't call me back to talk it through or sort out getting it back to me (so I'm a bit miffed) but should get it back this week and will post a proper update when I do!

[lawtoma]

Hello! Spoke to James, the after sales guy on Wednesday, and the mechanics had it apart and had reported CRB and slave cylinder, but were still investigating. It's all done now, apparently, but they didn't call me back to talk it through or sort out getting it back to me (so I'm a bit miffed) but should get it back this week and will post a proper update when I do!

[onward]

lawtoma said:

Hello! Spoke to James, the after sales guy on Wednesday, and the mechanics had it apart and had reported CRB and slave cylinder, but were still investigating. It's all done now, apparently, but they didn't call me back to talk it through or sort out getting it back to me (so I'm a bit miffed) but should get it back this week and will post a proper update when I do!

It will be interesting to hear what the after sales is like as i may be about to buy a new one. Will it be worth the extra £££?

Sorry - dont want to take your question away !

[Eccles52]

Thanks for the update and glad they got it sorted out - but a shame you haven't had it back yet, not that you'd want it for today probably but the rest of the weekend was pretty good!
I have the same system on mine so was interested to know.
Personally I didn't go for the Caterham package as I made the car myself and figured I'd be doing any repairs myself From my dealings though, James is a good bloke, always been friendly and helpful
Ivan

[lawtoma]

Update: they've replaced the CRB and master cylinder. Should have it back for the weekend...

[anonymous-user]

Have you found out why they replaced the crb and slave? What had gone wrong?

[lawtoma]

Home, safe and sound! Apparently the CRB had failed and the master cylinder wasn't holding pressure consistently. Can't wait to take it out for a proper drive!