Clutch problem
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Navigator
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 9
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Clutch problem
New C4 owner here. I just picked the car up today and it needs work... The main problem being the clutch pedal is extremely hard to press and it has to go ALL the way to the floor. It still does not seem to be disengaging (very hard to put in gear, grinds). it seems to go through the gears ok with engine shut off.
Im hoping its a hydraulic problem but... the engine has been changed to a gen1 sbc. im thinking if the wrong flywheel was used could this cause that problem? is the any adjustments? aside from checking under the car to see if its disengaging any ideas?
Im hoping its a hydraulic problem but... the engine has been changed to a gen1 sbc. im thinking if the wrong flywheel was used could this cause that problem? is the any adjustments? aside from checking under the car to see if its disengaging any ideas?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
It is wise to always post your year model. just writing C4 does not mean a lot due to changes in the C4 era.
YES...it can be a hydraulic issue....or the input shaft stuck of binding on the pilot bushing.
NO...their are NO adjustments.
And for what it is worth....try to limit the 'grinding' when you try to get it in gear. This action can and possibly will damage synchronizers in the transmission.
TRY THIS:
ENGINE OFF...see if you can put it in a forward gear. RELEASE the clutch pedal and VERIFY that it is IN GEAR and the car will NOT roll. THEN...having someone pushing on the car....PRESS on the clutch pedal and see if the car moves. IF it does...then depending on where the CLUTCH releases at WHEN pressing on the clutch pedal can determine if you have a bad clutch disc, poor hydraulics...or a an input shaft sticking/binding with the pilot bearing.
DUB
YES...it can be a hydraulic issue....or the input shaft stuck of binding on the pilot bushing.
NO...their are NO adjustments.
And for what it is worth....try to limit the 'grinding' when you try to get it in gear. This action can and possibly will damage synchronizers in the transmission.
TRY THIS:
ENGINE OFF...see if you can put it in a forward gear. RELEASE the clutch pedal and VERIFY that it is IN GEAR and the car will NOT roll. THEN...having someone pushing on the car....PRESS on the clutch pedal and see if the car moves. IF it does...then depending on where the CLUTCH releases at WHEN pressing on the clutch pedal can determine if you have a bad clutch disc, poor hydraulics...or a an input shaft sticking/binding with the pilot bearing.
DUB
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
I can relate to the cold weather. Your car has the 4+3 manual in it. When you can....perform the test.Verify that you have brake fluid in the clutch master cylinder.
DUB
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,429
Likes: 605
From: Minneapolis Mn
I kind of doubt it's fluid level in the clutch setup. I had issues with mine when I bought it last year and the slave had leaked. When that was the case the pedal went to the floor very easy in addition to not engaging the clutch. I also have a 86 so that's what I'm basing the info on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
Could be wrong flywheel, or the flywheel has been resurfaced to much and needs a shim.
Could be the clutch fork is bent.
Could be the clutch fork pivot pin is wrong one or just loose.
Could be the clutch fork is not on the pivot pin.
Could be the clutch slave cylinder is loose.
Clutch hydraulic problems usually have soft pedal.
Good luck.
Could be the clutch fork is bent.
Could be the clutch fork pivot pin is wrong one or just loose.
Could be the clutch fork is not on the pivot pin.
Could be the clutch slave cylinder is loose.
Clutch hydraulic problems usually have soft pedal.
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
hard pedal? That is odd... it sounds like something is really wrong in there.
I am sorry to say this, but you will more then likely need to do a full on clutch service to find out the problem.
I am sorry to say this, but you will more then likely need to do a full on clutch service to find out the problem.
