Noisy and stubborn gear change

[buteux]

I have read all the various threads but wanted to ask regarding my specific problem..

A week or so ago I started my van - normal sounds, dipped the clutch pedal and noticed that it sounded a little rougher, off the clutch - normal, down again rougher, not terrible, but a little noisier.
Anyway, now it just seems to sound a little rougher all the time, and the clutch bite point seems to have moved about half an inch closer to the floor. (Bite point now about an inch off the floor.)The gear change is also more notchy, a lot less freedom when selecting.

So, is this a new clutch, is the noise a bearing somewhere related to the clutch, is it gearbox oil related, or something else..

Firstly, where is the oil filler and drain plug for the gearbox, (right, left, near the carb, high low etc) ive read haynes - not as good as old mini manuals, ive read the forum but cant see it, my engine is dirty!, mind you im not sure i know what it would look like anyway, i can see what looks like a core plug just near the carb at the top, ! Even if this isnt a cause i will need to know when i come to do it.

Secondly, if its clutch and related bearings, is it engine out, and any ideas of total cost for parts / labour from a garage, anyone had it done?
I really dont have time to do this myself, i just need it doing for me.

Thirdly, is there a chance its not the clutch, the engine seems to run fine, could be smoother, but when doing my recent service i changed, plugs, points (sadly changed by prev owner from electronic ignition), leads, dizzy cap and oil. I do engine oil every 6 months, but have never done the gearbox oil. had the van 4 years.

I did wonder if it was an exhaust leak, you know, sounds rougher, runs rougher, etc. I had quite bad engine vibration before my recent service, so thought that may have been causing my problem, but, it now runs well, and after a rag test of the exhaust I cant see any leaks.

In neutral it does seem noisier when i rev it to highish revs, so im back to thinking maybe exhaust - amplifying a problem, and general wear on clutch. hmmm. Or a main bearing somewhere, doh.

Hopefully someone will say...ahhh, yes, i had exactly the same problem....clutch release bearing- £20 done by a guy in Wigston - Leicester.

That would be perfect.

Its a 1985 1.9 DG Watercooled. 5 Speed.

[kevtherev]

clutch release bearing.
gearbox off is easiest to change it.
clutch kit (includes friction plate, Pressure plate and release bearing) is £89.50 from GSF.. you'll pay a good £200 labour on top to get a garage to do it.

put the electronic ignition back or you'll forever have issues with it. (why go back to dinosaur ignition )

[Plasticman]

sounds like what him above said , assuming I could hear it that is,
mike

[VWCamperfan]

If the biting point has changed and the gear change is stubborn and maybe crunchy, then I woild check the hydraulic fluid level for the brake and clutch system (Under instrument panel cover).
You could be low on fluid and this would affect the clutch before the brakes as the clutch fluid take-off pipe is above the brake fluid take off.
If found to be low then you will have to bleed the clutch system to take out all air that may have got in due to having low fluid.

[Plasticman]

[quote="buteux"]

A week or so ago I started my van - normal sounds, dipped the clutch pedal and noticed that it sounded a little rougher, off the clutch - normal, down again rougher, not terrible, but a little noisier.
Anyway, now it just seems to sound a little rougher all the time, and the clutch bite point seems to have moved about half an inch closer to the floor. (Bite point now about an inch off the floor.)The gear change is also more notchy, a lot less freedom when selecting.


quote]
So whilst bleeding may be an issue, from the above it sounds more like a b'ing problem if I read it as put, ie; foot on pedal whats left of b'ing contacting cluch =noise, summat badly worn out in there and will continue worsening
mike

[buteux]

OK, thanks for the advice, I have it booked in with Big John in Leicester, quoted £275 all in. Doesnt seem as bad today, but with mot and house move due i may as well get it all done now while i can.

Will update this thread when I find out the damage.

I hate it when you read threads with no conclusion (after the advice was followed etc - edited due to misunderstanding below) , or affirmation (i.e yes you were right - edited due to misunderstanding below)etc.

[kevtherev]

I hate it when you read threads with no conclusion, or affirmation etc.

eh?

you descibed the classic symptoms af a release bearing failure. i.e. noisy clutch and notchy changing

you asked this..

So, is this a new clutch, is the noise a bearing somewhere related to the clutch, is it gearbox oil related, or something else..?

I answered your question.. with the price of a new clutch kit.

clutch release bearing.
gearbox off is easiest to change it.
clutch kit (includes friction plate, Pressure plate and release bearing) is £89.50 from GSF.. you'll pay a good £200 labour on top to get a garage to do it.

what the eff do you want?

[jamesc76]

what the eff do you want?

You should have gone round Kev its the least you could have done!

[Ian Hulley]

FFS Kev, give the man his money's worth ! Full valet, polish and clutch change .... it's the least you could do

[buteux]

Er, sorry, i should have been clearer, just a misunderstanding.

When i said no conclusion or affirmation i meant when the thread originator doesnt come back and say "yes you were right etc".

I hate it when some one says "it smells of goats, why", and someone replies "sounds like you need a rebund" but then there is no confirmation that the rebund fixed it. If you see what i mean.
so no offence (touchy lot!)

Anyway, here is the conclusion, you guys were brilliant, totally correct, I had it done at Big Johns Clutches in Leicester, £275 all in.
Just ran it home and its a dream, very smooth, no bad noises, bite point quite low, but very silky gear change. Its amazing what an afternoon england match can do, they fitted it in 3 hours... Labour charge?! but im happy.

Again, thanks for your quick replys and advice, I think you saved me a fortune in analysis, and your expertise was spot on.

I love this forum and club, even the need to tread carefully when posting!

[Plasticman]

I hate it when some one says "it smells of goats, why", and someone replies "sounds like you need a rebund"

Not bloody touchy, and while were at it what ffs smells of goats and what is a rebund>

[posler]

I hate it when some one says "it smells of goats, why", and someone replies "sounds like you need a rebund"

Not bloody touchy, and while were at it what ffs smells of goats and what is a rebund>

ahh the smell of goats that takes me back good times

[buteux]

I once saw a david essex poster with graffiti, under it someone had written David essex blows goats, so i guess its him.

Rebund, i made that up.

Van is silky, cheers guys.