Sticking clutch

[kevinandkate]

With no great surprise I have to say, the clutch on fifi is slipping and closer examination reveals an extremely stiff external actuating arm. Its the later type that pivots on a rod through the gearbox and no ammount of waggling too and fro with the aid of two bits of wood and rope will free it off properly. As a result the clutch doesn't release properly and therfore slips. Before I resort to removing the gearbox and getting close up with the errant clutch, any ideas of where some release oil could be sprayed onto the splined shaft as Im sure this is where the clutch plate is sticking. I cannot see any likely apertures to spray through and it seems a bit pointless spraying ad hoc as it will go onto the centre plate and hey presto no clutch. Sneaky Renault 4 brains required here I think.

 

[malcolm]

You'll probably want to be aiming for the shaft where the release lever goes into the gearbox. Lots of WD40 and waggling might help. See http://www.renault4.co.uk/tech-clutch-seize.htm

The shaft does have another mounting inside the gearbox that can also become stiff, but often the outer will fix it. I'd have thought it is that as the release bearing isn't a tight fit.

 

[kevinandkate]

Clutch

Thanks Malcolm

The only problem is the release lever is inside the gearbox there is just a cross shaft on my gearbox, like the one on the link, I have sprayed the outer end of the shaft but I feel it likely the clutch pressure plate is sticking on the splines not the release bearing. However, havind said all that, the repeated operation of the lver has made things slightly better. I wouldnt want to set off uphill as yet but it is driveable with care and not much right foot. Strangely the clutch pedal was bent towards the brake pedal which I have now striaghtened, not that I think it made any difference it was just odd.

 

[MATTT]

mine was doing the exact same thing,as it had been standing for a lot of years
tried spraying the outer end over a few weeks but no joy
took the gearbox out and the inner part of the shaft was stuck in the gearbox
had to hammer it out,clean it up and use some wet and dry on it
copper slip grease and tapped it back,the clutch was as light as a feather.
Yours could be the release bearing as you say but either will need the box out
i fitted a complete new clutch as well whilst it was out
supposedly its a easy job but it took me a few saturday afternoons to do mine

 

[malcolm]

Might well be a gearbox out job then - I've had one (like Matt) where the inner mounting on that shaft had seized solid.

Could be worth a look at the first photo in my link above - it might be possible to get some penetrating fluid in there if you use that photo as a reference and spray it through a straw through the hole in the top of the bellhousing.

Might be worth a try.

 

[kevinandkate]

Thanks guys, will have another go with the WD40 if I can find the hole Malcolm is talking about. The clutch is not slipping at the moment but we are being very gentle with it, however there is about 2 inches of free play at the pedal and when the choke is out gear selection is a little difficult. Anyway will have a go with the WD abd see what happens, will let you know.

 

[kevinandkate]

Success

After many gallons of WD40 and a hammer, clutch sprung to life earlier today, thanks guys. Car runs very well and corners like a... well it runs very well and is not in the slightest sluggish unless I go uphill. Great fun though.

 

[malcolm]

Where did you spray the WD40? Just on the outer part of the shaft, or have you found a way of getting at that inner bearing too?

Glad it's fixed.

You should try an early R4 for cornering. I jumped into my GTL today after many test drives in my older R4. It felt like a modern car.

 

[kevinandkate]

Clutch

I sprayed on the outer end and through the part of the bell housing where the pulley is (sorry cant remember which pulley too much cheap red wine) also backwards through the same gap towards the splined shaft rather than the clutch end. The clutch was stiff to operate before but is much better now. Its not perfect but I think daily usage will improve things. I take your point about the earlier 4s, dont get me wrong I prefer the fact that you have to "drive" it as opposed to the 30 miles per hour and up in 5th gear Berlingo diesel we have.

 

[malcolm]

Excellent - sounds like spraying WD40 through the hole in the bellhousing (while avoiding the actual clutch) might help. I'll remember that the next time I'm tempted to remove a gearbox.

Further application in future might help even more - WD40 gets so far then evaporates away.

 

[orsome]

stiff clutch

mine was doing the exact same thing,as it had been standing for a lot of years
tried spraying the outer end over a few weeks but no joy
took the gearbox out and the inner part of the shaft was stuck in the gearbox
had to hammer it out,clean it up and use some wet and dry on it
copper slip grease and tapped it back,the clutch was as light as a feather.
Yours could be the release bearing as you say but either will need the box out
i fitted a complete new clutch as well whilst it was out
supposedly its a easy job but it took me a few saturday afternoons to do mine

MAT T, i found your old thread and it is just what has happened to my R4 from 1977.
Pedal goes left.Clucth is like iron bar, can be moved by hand and tyre wrench but noit via pedal.
Car has been standing inside for 23years.

Odd thing is that i could one time put 1st gear in and drive 1meter, when putting rear gear it stopped the motor.

I think i have different type of fork inside the clucth chamber.

any hints