Clutch slipping or gear not engaging
Discussion
This morning as I set out for work, I noticed the clutch pedal getting heavier and the gear change difficult to select 1st or 2nd. I've already booked it in with my mechanic as soon as possible but I wondering if it's something I've done wrong.
The mechanic said it sounds like the clutch isn't disengaging properly which is why it's so difficult to change gear. Another symptom is if you apply the power too hard, the engine revs faster but you don't get the power hence my thoughts it was slippage.
The car is a 2000 VW Polo 1.4CL (6N series) with just over 61k on it. It was own by an elderly lady before me from new. I had a Fiat Punto that the gearbox went on before I had this car so I'm wondering is it down to how I'm driving or just bad luck?
Also any advice about a retailer to buy a new clutch from just in case I need it?
The mechanic said it sounds like the clutch isn't disengaging properly which is why it's so difficult to change gear. Another symptom is if you apply the power too hard, the engine revs faster but you don't get the power hence my thoughts it was slippage.
The car is a 2000 VW Polo 1.4CL (6N series) with just over 61k on it. It was own by an elderly lady before me from new. I had a Fiat Punto that the gearbox went on before I had this car so I'm wondering is it down to how I'm driving or just bad luck?
Also any advice about a retailer to buy a new clutch from just in case I need it?
Is it a cable or hydraulic clutch?
The two main symptoms are at odds with each other. The clutch not clearing causing gears difficult to engage could be a stretched cable or failing clutch hydraulics.
Clutch slipping would normally be a failure of the clutch itself.
A possibility is a clutch cable in the process of breaking so it is stretched and not activating the clutch fully but the frayed break is also preventing the clutch from fully engaging.
If you have a tame mechanic leave him/her to source the replacement parts.
Steve
The two main symptoms are at odds with each other. The clutch not clearing causing gears difficult to engage could be a stretched cable or failing clutch hydraulics.
Clutch slipping would normally be a failure of the clutch itself.
A possibility is a clutch cable in the process of breaking so it is stretched and not activating the clutch fully but the frayed break is also preventing the clutch from fully engaging.
If you have a tame mechanic leave him/her to source the replacement parts.
Steve
Sorry Steve, I'm gonna plead ignorance here and say 'no clue'. Given the model in question started life in 1994, I would guess it's a cable clutch but I wouldn't be sure.
The mechanic has it now so he'll be able to tell me what it is when he gets around to look at it.
Driving it over this afternoon was worse. Couldn't get it into 1st when I started the car (normally leave the car in neutral on a flat surface) so turned the car off and engaged it and started it up again. That would seem to me that the clutch is slightly engaged with the pedal fully depressed. I released the handbrake and it moved forward very slowly (not rolling) so I think the difficult in changing is down to the clutch not being separated from the flywheel.
When driving, I had to be careful applying the power. It had to be applied slowly to build up the revs to get to a steady speed. Too much and the rev needle moved up like I'd pressed the clutch in a bit.
I had a bit of a look around the internet this afternoon. I've seen plenty of ads for Polo's where the clutch has been replaced around 70k - 90k. Perhaps a common fault then?
The mechanic has it now so he'll be able to tell me what it is when he gets around to look at it.
Driving it over this afternoon was worse. Couldn't get it into 1st when I started the car (normally leave the car in neutral on a flat surface) so turned the car off and engaged it and started it up again. That would seem to me that the clutch is slightly engaged with the pedal fully depressed. I released the handbrake and it moved forward very slowly (not rolling) so I think the difficult in changing is down to the clutch not being separated from the flywheel.
When driving, I had to be careful applying the power. It had to be applied slowly to build up the revs to get to a steady speed. Too much and the rev needle moved up like I'd pressed the clutch in a bit.
I had a bit of a look around the internet this afternoon. I've seen plenty of ads for Polo's where the clutch has been replaced around 70k - 90k. Perhaps a common fault then?
They got back to me this morning. Packed in clutch which is what I'd thought. I should have it back this lunchtime. When I first visited him, he'd said the clutch was a little heavy and sorted it then and it's been fine for months but I guess it was just putting off the problem.
At least it's sorted now and should last a few years.
At least it's sorted now and should last a few years.
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