So last week whilst driving my van when changing gear I heard a noise and from then on couldn't change gear. My clutch was no longer working. It simply is very soft when pressing the pedal. Initially I thought it was the clutch cable that had broken, and so today went under the van to take a look, and hopefully try and change the cable. First sights are that the cable is still fully in tact, there is no signs of anything snapped, and when 'pulling' the cable from underneath it doesn't feel like it's getting that much play. I had a look at the connector to the pedal, and couldn't see anything that looked broken/snapped. I am yet to look at the rear, as to be honest I couldn't really trace it too well!! By what I'm saying, what does this sound like? Could it be the cable that is snapped and I need to do some more digging to the rear of the van, or do you think it might be something else? I managed to get the van home by driving, turning engine off, changing gear, engine on but that was only for a mile or so. The V dub garage I normally go to is about 20 miles away so that's not an option!! We're taking the van to Holland on Thursday so need this fixing ASAP, and to be honest I'm thinking that it may be easier for me just to go to a local garage. Was just hoping for some thoughts before I go. Thanks!! Danny
It may be that your clutch cable is down to a few strands. Lie under the van near the clutch lever on the transmission while someone operates the clutch to see if anything's happening. Straightforward enough to change.
There are three springs in the clutch mechanism : a big one under the pedal - probably what is working at present, then there is a spring on the side of the bell housing which returns the clutch to not pushing the release bearing and then there is the springiness of the clutch. If the lever on the bellhousing moves when somebody presses the clutch, and it starts to move as soon as the pedal is pressed then the problem will be inside the bellhousing - a broken weld on the clutch release fork . If the lever does not move immediately, but stays still until the clutch is part pressed then the cable has mostly broken. Its probably easiest to remove the cable and inspect it then replace it with the cable you had in your spares kit for the trip to Holland. You did have one didnt you ? Otherwise off to GSF!! All the likely broken parts can be obtained by a friendly garage or yourself from GSF/VeeWee if time is pressing - the clutch release fork, the return spring (either separate or in a repair kit..) , the cable and clutch release bearing and its fixing clips, and the clutch assembly.
Mine has recently - doesn`t affect the clutch action .... (to be fixed shortly ) I`d go for the cable hanging on by a few strands . Pull the old one out and check , you can always put it back if it`s ok but a new one is only a few quid - always carry a spare
daft question alert again. Any step by step guides out there!! will pull out the old haynes manual tomorrow too! Thanks, Danny
There isn't a spring under the clutch pedal so don't waste time looking for that. Do as Snotty suggests IMO.
