15 replies to this topic

[finch661]

hello everyone, got a small problem with the old girl (85 mayfair, 998cc, not modified). i think its a clutch issue, and just want to check.

i will be ready to move off, i bring the clutch up and there is a shuddering, ony for a second, which also happens in second gear aswell, but not the rest (as far as i can tell). the closest thing i can think to compare it to is those yellow raised lines they sometimes have near speed bumps, to make you slow down, kind of that thump thump thump vibration through the car. hope this makes sense!

does this sound like the clutch needs adjusted?

thanks!

[blacktulip]

could be a number of problems. first of all i would check the engine mounts and steady bushes are in good nick. if its to do with the clutch juddering, the friction plates may be contaminated with oil from an oil seal failure.

check the steady bushes and mounts and see whats what bud.

[Paul Wiginton]

Ive had the same thing a couple of times and it was the clutch release bearing, but could well be contaminent on the plate as said above. The clutch seal could be leaking.

Paul

[finch661]

oh right, i will check the mounts (i'm taking the engine out next week anyway!). if its contamination, whats the best approach?

[scoticus]

sounds similar to the problem i had... turned out the tie rod arm mount on the gear box (passenger side) had broke into 2 bits... this inturn pulled the engine to that side, pulling the drive shaft (on the drivers side) out of the CV joint...

giving a vibration through the car similiar to the one you described

hope that makes sence

[finch661]

i'll have a wee looky tonight at all the steady bars/mounts and make sure their ok! i will keep you posted!

[finch661]

i had a look and all the mounts/steady bars look fine. the clutch seems to be slipping a bit, and the pedal feels a little bit spongy. i think i need to bleed it?
oh and what type of clutch would an 85 austin 998 mini have? i dont know if it needs adjusted?

[Paul Wiginton]

i had a look and all the mounts/steady bars look fine. the clutch seems to be slipping a bit, and the pedal feels a little bit spongy. i think i need to bleed it?
oh and what type of clutch would an 85 austin 998 mini have? i dont know if it needs adjusted?

You can try adjusting it, though it sounds like something more involved.
Just go to a good motor factor and they'll be able to supply a clutch plate. Should be pre verto Id have thought

Paul

[finch661]

how do you know if it is a vetro or non vetro? (tell tale signs?)

oh just remembered that i remember the clutch made a "shloshing" sound sometimes when it was depressed and lifter?

Edited by finch661, 05 May 2009 - 06:42 PM.

[Paul Wiginton]

If the solenoid is attatched to the inner wing its pre verto, attatched to the starter motor its verto.

If the clutch control arm is about 6" long its pre verto, 2" long its verto

Paul

[finch661]

i'll need to have a look, my car has a solinoid on the wing, but im sure it is bypassed and i have a pre-engaged starter...

[blacktulip]

dont go buying clutch parts untill you check the engine mounts underneath the car, you could end up wasting money.

[minitomfoolery]

Remember its quite normal for a cold engine to shudder when pulling off..my car has always done it.

But if its still doing it after about five minutes of driving then it sounds like a release bearing to me or possible oil contamination.

[finch661]

another interesting drive over, the clutch pedal went from spongy to hard throughout the journey, i noticed that by pumping the pedal at junctions before i moved off, eased the juddering slightyly?

i will bleed tonight and see if that makes a difference!

[alicetheauto]

The softness you describe there is probably the hydraulics needing bleeding (there is air/water in them). However, the clutch hydraulics dont hold the drive engaged when you push the pedal they DIS engage it. Therefore if they are not functioning correctly you would have problems coming OUT of gear not holding it in drive. Sometimes, though, this can be a symptom of the clutch going- where the clutch plate is very thin where it has worn away with use, it lets the hydraulic cylinder move further than it is designed to go. This can pop the seals or let fluid start seeping out.
Try wedging down the pedal for a day if you can, and check frequently to see if the reservoir under the bonnet needs topping up. This can sometimes make air move to the top of the system and be replaced with fluid and can at least make it feel better until you replace whatever needs replacing. Also, you can watch out to see if there are any leaks obvious in it!