Unexpected clutch joy (for once)!
Discussion
About 18 months ago the fingers went on the clutch resulting in a £1,500 garage bill. Feeling slightly ripped off, I comforted myself with the thought that at least I have a nice new clutch which will last me a good few years.
Yeah right. About 3 months ago, selecting 1st gear became slightly more difficult than it should. My current mechanic had a quick look and believed the previous garage possibly fitted the clutch without greasing something (I think he said this, but possibly could be some other reason) which can lead to an early failure. Of course, it could just be bad luck.
Feeling rather gutted, I have since been waiting for the inevitable to happen. However, armed with my AA warranty at least the first £500 of the bill will be covered - but only if the car needs to be recovered. Therefore, I cannot get the clutch changed until it fails.
About 3 weeks ago two things happened. Firstly, my OH decided she wanted to plan a week driving around Wales (it's happening next week). Secondly, the gear change suddenly worsened. It became harder and harder to select gear.
Unsure whether to bite the bullet and pay for a new clutch or to sit tight and see how it goes, I went with the latter. The worst case scenario would be to take my other car (can't cancel trip as hotels are all booked and we have a meeting arranged). However, day by day it got worse until yesterday when I had to admit defeat after not being able to select 1st gear without giving it some revs - and even then it was difficult. The car even crept forwards as if the clutch were not fully depressed. I was gutted, as 90% of my enthusiasm for this trip was driving the TVR (don't tell the OH
). The idea of touring round Wales in the Tuscan was over 
That was until last night. After sticking my head down in the foot well to check the clutch fluid (which I had done many times before - but you never know!) and finding it sat happily at the full mark, I started desperately pumping the clutch pedal with my hand (no idea why!). And then I saw it.... the black rubber clutch pedal stopper was moving! Somehow, over the past few weeks it must have been slowly undoing itself, and with each turn had reduced the travel of the clutch. Almost not believing that this might be the cause, I screwed it back into place.... AND THE CLUTCH IS FINE!!!
Ok, it's not perfect. It's back to where I was 3 months ago with a very slightly stiff 1st gear. However, compared to how it's felt recently it's bloody marvelous!
Anyway, that's it. I'm very happy. Have a nice weekend
Yeah right. About 3 months ago, selecting 1st gear became slightly more difficult than it should. My current mechanic had a quick look and believed the previous garage possibly fitted the clutch without greasing something (I think he said this, but possibly could be some other reason) which can lead to an early failure. Of course, it could just be bad luck.
Feeling rather gutted, I have since been waiting for the inevitable to happen. However, armed with my AA warranty at least the first £500 of the bill will be covered - but only if the car needs to be recovered. Therefore, I cannot get the clutch changed until it fails.
About 3 weeks ago two things happened. Firstly, my OH decided she wanted to plan a week driving around Wales (it's happening next week). Secondly, the gear change suddenly worsened. It became harder and harder to select gear.
Unsure whether to bite the bullet and pay for a new clutch or to sit tight and see how it goes, I went with the latter. The worst case scenario would be to take my other car (can't cancel trip as hotels are all booked and we have a meeting arranged). However, day by day it got worse until yesterday when I had to admit defeat after not being able to select 1st gear without giving it some revs - and even then it was difficult. The car even crept forwards as if the clutch were not fully depressed. I was gutted, as 90% of my enthusiasm for this trip was driving the TVR (don't tell the OH
). The idea of touring round Wales in the Tuscan was over That was until last night. After sticking my head down in the foot well to check the clutch fluid (which I had done many times before - but you never know!) and finding it sat happily at the full mark, I started desperately pumping the clutch pedal with my hand (no idea why!). And then I saw it.... the black rubber clutch pedal stopper was moving! Somehow, over the past few weeks it must have been slowly undoing itself, and with each turn had reduced the travel of the clutch. Almost not believing that this might be the cause, I screwed it back into place.... AND THE CLUTCH IS FINE!!!
Ok, it's not perfect. It's back to where I was 3 months ago with a very slightly stiff 1st gear. However, compared to how it's felt recently it's bloody marvelous!
Anyway, that's it. I'm very happy. Have a nice weekend
Having had my clutch and slave recently replaced they said that the stop should be set for max Clutch Op this can cause it to depress further than necessary if not poss causing finger damage dont know if correct but he is knowledgable , although yours has been stopping you getting full travel it would seem may be worth getting on axle stands and trying clutch opperation could just be not set at correct position causing your problem good luck
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