Squeaky Clutch when hot

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BXcitro
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Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by BXcitro »

Just wondering if anyone else gets this annoying squeaky/creaking clutch sound when it's being pressed down and released.

For some reason it only happens when engine is fully warmed up, is it something to do with the cable?

I know with the Xantia's they could snap and you'd end up with no clutch at all, is this the case with the BX too?

Any advice will be greatly received!
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ken newbold
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by ken newbold »

Depends where the noise is coming from. Is it coming from the pedal end or the gearbox end?
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by BXcitro »

I'm not really sure to be honest, you can hear it inside the car and outside the car.

What's strange is that it's as quiet as a mouse until I've been driving about 10 miles then it starts squeaking and doesn't feel as smooth to depress.
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ken newbold
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by ken newbold »

try lubricating the pedal mechanism
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by Tim Leech »

The pedal could be on its way to snapping, I'd take a look and check for cracks in the pedal box!
Lots of Motors, mostly semi broken....
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by BXcitro »

Thanks Tim, it's Colin is case you didn't know.

Would a new cable cure the problem? Is it an expensive job?
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by Tim Leech »

Hi Colin

No a new cables not expensive but a pain to fit on a TD
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by rutter123 »

Spray some lube around the clutch pedal bush at the top of the pedal box (cover your pedal rubbers before doing this) i thought squeaky clutch pedals came as standard on the BX. As Tim says changing the cable on a t/d is a royal pain in the.... mainly due to lack of access at the back of the engine.
Another thing you can try is to disconnect the cable at the gearbox end and try to lube the clutch cable from there this may involve rigging up some heath robinson device to pour some oil down the cable as the plastic sleeves inside do wear usually where the cable passes through the metal loop type holders and the outer sheathing cracks letting water/dirt in. Changing the clutch cable on a t/d requires patience and the fingers of a wizard and prob will involve a lot of sweat and even more swearing, you can remove the top engine mount and tilt the engine forward a bit to give a bit more room but a pig of a job nonetheless. I would certainly start by spray lubing first. Also oil the clutch arm bush.
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by BXcitro »

Great advice, many thanks.
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by BXcitro »

Hi guys, so I got a new clutch cable as I was worrying the creaking clutch was a sign of the cable snapping, (I had it happen in a previous Xantia) however it sadly hasn't made any difference.

It's still much worse after driving for more than 10 miles and the clutch starts to feel less smooth in operation with a very loud creak.

I'm 99% sure the creaking is coming from the gearbox end, but I'm running out of ideas.

Any help will be greatly received.
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by ken newbold »

if it's coming from the gearbox end that usually only means one thing :(
however, you could try lubricating any moving parts that are accessible.
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by BXcitro »

I've tried lubricating moving parts but still no luck.

Does it mean new clutch? The operation of the clutch works well with the gears however it does slip if you really push it.

How much would a new clutch cost?
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by ken newbold »

No idea these days. We used to pay about £100 for a TD clutch, that may have come down now, but the labour costs aint cheap unless you can DIY

If you DIY, fit new nylon bearing/caps top and bottom of the actuating shaft, they're only a few quid but worth the expense.
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by rutter123 »

New Valeo 3pc kits come in at around £90-100, of course there are many others available but give cheapo units a very wide birth as most of them are recon shite, basic rule of thumb the more splines on the pressure plate the better, Valeo pressure plates should have 18 splines. Buy the best you can afford, it's not a job you will want doing again in a few thousand miles. With labour charges i wouldn't expect much change from £400 at a garage. I would advise using a Citroen specialist to do the job. As Ken says new bushes and prob new driveshaft seals will be needed.
The Haynes manual does actually give a good description of how to change the clutch if you want to d.i.y and only requires basic tools and some axle stands and a hyd jack.
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Re: Squeaky Clutch when hot

Post by Defender110 »

The clutch pivot arm on top of the gearbox is notorious for seizing up, you have to remove the bolt and take the arm off to clean and lubricate it properly. The actual cranked arms do crack and snap if left.
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