major clutch problems

[dearjohn]

Hi all, looking for some advice regarding the clutch in my 1984 1.9 westfalia. It has been getting harder to engage any gear lately, as the clutch does not seem to "clear" or disengage fully. Yesterday I bled the fluid line, thinking there may be a little air in there some how, and it seemed to work a little better. However 30 miles down the road, I lost all cearence, and only for 4 polish lads in a jeep behind me, was stuck ata junction, when the lights went green, they pushed me off and I gort into second, and then up the gears to 4th. The next 30 miles were interesting, as roundabouts etc needed carefull planning. When I push down on the clutch pedal now, there is a whining noise. Could the clutch release bearing have seized, and overheated/wore through the spring steel "fingers" of the diaphram? I,m stuck 60 miles from home, ans supposed to be heading to France on the 14 August !
Any ideas or advice guys?
Regards, Nigel.

[skell]

if no leaks from clutch line or cylinders then it sounds like time for a new clutch. about £80 diy.

[campervanman]

My 1.9 petrol water had similar noise but clutch did not slip - once in gear - turned out that the release bearing had munched its ball bearings resulting in more clearance than the clutch pedal could take up. Had to replace clutch release bearing. Check/replace clutch while the gearbox is split from the engine.

[Tex Ritter]

I had a similar problem in the South of France. The only difference was mine didn't get worse over time...it went instantly.

Seconds before the problem there was a loud whirring noise on tick over, which stopped abruptly. After that I could not engage any gear whilst the engine was running. By forcing the gears over the next 100 miles I eventually manged to select all gears with van stationary and ticking over.

I nursed the van back to Calais and then home and pulled the box out.

Turned out it was the spigot shaft needle bearing in the end of the
crankshaft.

The bearing had dissapeared, leaving only dust and debris, and the end of the spigot shaft unsupported...which is why I was able to select all gears eventually.

Pull out your box and check everything before you go away if you are the least bit unhappy with your clutch. It wont take you long and at least you'll have peace of mind.

PS: The procedure is available in the Wiki above if you require it.

TR

[clartsonly]

as you are going to need to remove the bellhousing to have a look anyway. put in a new clutch you will most likely find the heads of the bolts in the pressure are shaved from now more "self adjustment". if you cannot get the allen bolts out as they are rounded. use a grinder on the heads and replace with those star ones instead

[dearjohn]

Thanks everyone, the garage is doing it on Thursday, so all will be revealed!

[dearjohn]

Well the garage rang this morning, the clutch releasr bearing had seized and worn/overheated the spring fingers on the daiphram , so I had no clearence. Toe in van, remove and replace gearbox anf fit a clutch kit, total inc. Vat, €466. Not as bad as I had feared, so we are on for France on Thursday!

[dearjohn]

Well the garage rang this morning, the clutch releasr bearing had seized and worn/overheated the spring fingers on the daiphram , so I had no clearence. Toe in van, remove and replace gearbox anf fit a clutch kit, total inc. Vat, €466. Not as bad as I had feared, so we are on for France on Thursday!