clutch problem?
clutch problem?
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Discussion

ukcerb

Original Poster:

401 posts

224 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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Owned my Cerbera for nearly 3 years and the clutch was replaced by the previous owner. I`ve done 12k miles (not used for commuting so less than average clutch use). Started today after standing for 2 weeks and couldn`t select gear. Pedal felt normal. Checked reservoir and level very low. Topped up and seems ok now ie. can select all gears easily. Have I got major clutch problems or is it just lack of maintenance ie. reservoir needs checking more than 3 yearly! The car is regularly serviced by a TVR specialist garage but maybe they dont check clutch master because of access?
Any help or advice appreciated because supposed to be going for drive to Spain end of next month and really don`t want clutch problems `en route.

Killer Rhubarb

388 posts

207 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
quotequote all
Holdy holdy on here... I had the same thing last month. I couldnt select gear at all, then it righted itself. Then it wouldnt, then it was ok for 10 miles. Went to the car next morning wouldnt go into gear at all.

Clutch finger had broken. Annoyingly this can happen pretty much anytime. So you may be ok for 30 miles or so, then you may be stuck.

Could be master cylinder, could even be a slow leak on slave best case?

Dont go driving it and get stuck though!

ukcerb

Original Poster:

401 posts

224 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
quotequote all
Ok thanks. I am fairly sure its not a finger busted because refilling the reservoir has definately made it better...for now? Agree it could be leaking past seal but no oil on floor in or out of car as far as I know?

Mr Cerbera

5,151 posts

259 months

Monday 20th September 2010
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Now that you've re-filled the MC then I would just keep a check on that level and if it doesn't drop in the period up to your departure then I would say that it was "good to go".

Did you notice if the oil in the MC was clean or not ?
A build-up of rubber sediment could indicate imminent seal failure.

As you've checked for leaks it sounds like you're on the better side of average.

thumbup

Jasper Gilder

2,166 posts

302 months

Monday 20th September 2010
quotequote all
If It's any consolation my clutch resevoir went dry in Spain in a hotel in the hills outside Granada

If the level keeps dropping the slave is leaking - as it's in the bellhousing it just fills it up - when mine got back to the UK the lads cracked off the bellhousing to a cascade of clutch fluid and some knackered seals

Is the clutch light or heavy - in a cerb- properly set up., it should be very light, heavy clutch means imminent problems

ukcerb

Original Poster:

401 posts

224 months

Monday 20th September 2010
quotequote all
Mr Cerbera said:
Now that you've re-filled the MC then I would just keep a check on that level and if it doesn't drop in the period up to your departure then I would say that it was "good to go".

Did you notice if the oil in the MC was clean or not ?
A build-up of rubber sediment could indicate imminent seal failure.

As you've checked for leaks it sounds like you're on the better side of average.

thumbup
Fluid was not perfectly clean but certainly no bits. Going to have it checked out just to be sure but thanks for your posting.

ukcerb

Original Poster:

401 posts

224 months

Monday 20th September 2010
quotequote all
Jasper Gilder said:
If It's any consolation my clutch resevoir went dry in Spain in a hotel in the hills outside Granada

If the level keeps dropping the slave is leaking - as it's in the bellhousing it just fills it up - when mine got back to the UK the lads cracked off the bellhousing to a cascade of clutch fluid and some knackered seals

Is the clutch light or heavy - in a cerb- properly set up., it should be very light, heavy clutch means imminent problems
I`ve heard that excessive heat build up can affect slave seals so maybe that is what did yours in Spain?
Clutch feels normal before and after top up so was not totally empty but was much easier to select gear after top up and didn`t even complain going into reverse (usually have to go to 5th then select reverse to avoid crunching)
Getting it checked out this week.Thanks for your posting.

ukcerb

Original Poster:

401 posts

224 months

Wednesday 22nd September 2010
quotequote all
It looks as though slave cylinder is leaking and clutch needs replacing while box is out (been quoted £1200 parts and labour). Think the front discs are due for a change too. Is it worth going for the bigger drilled discs or replace with standard ?
Just checked service history and the clutch and slave was last replaced in 2006 so its actually done about 20,000 miles.

Edited by ukcerb on Wednesday 22 September 20:01

Mr Cerbera

5,151 posts

259 months

Thursday 23rd September 2010
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Ouch, that's tough bunnies on all fronts - Mine lasted 36K.
Replacing the Slave seals cost about £30 and 3 months of my life.

I'd be surprised if the basket has gone unless your a drag racer !
Sorry to hear that, old son ! banghead

ukcerb

Original Poster:

401 posts

224 months

Thursday 23rd September 2010
quotequote all
Mr Cerbera said:
Ouch, that's tough bunnies on all fronts - Mine lasted 36K.
Replacing the Slave seals cost about £30 and 3 months of my life.

I'd be surprised if the basket has gone unless your a drag racer !
Sorry to hear that, old son ! banghead
Yes, bit of a blow to the budget but heh it`s a Cerbera. Suppose I`ve worn the brakes out too slowing from warp speeds!

Jasper Gilder

2,166 posts

302 months

Friday 24th September 2010
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Sorry to hear it is the slave - FYI when mine went in Spain it was a cold day in April

Fit Tuscan S discs at the front. They don't warp like Cerb ones and when I did it they were also half the price...

ukcerb

Original Poster:

401 posts

224 months

Saturday 2nd October 2010
quotequote all
All done now: new slave clutch and discs and pads all round. Went for the tuscan discs as suggested thanks. Had not realised how the clutch feel had changed over the last 3 years but it is so much better now. Taking out tommorrow to bed everything in.

willmo

23 posts

196 months

Tuesday 5th October 2010
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I think I have a similar problem. 1st gear now getting very hard to select, all others OK. Clutch fluid level appears ok. Clutch replaced 7k ago. Where's the best place to start looking ?? or am I destined for a big bill anyway.